BR112019012532B1 - CLAMP CARTRIDGE SET COMPRISING CLAMPS WITH DIFFERENT GRIP WIDTHS - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clip cartridge assembly comprising first clips including a drive portion and a grip portion displaced from the drive portion by a first distance, and additionally second clips including a drive portion and a grip portion. a gripping portion displaced from the actuating portion by a second distance which is different from the first distance.

Description

BACKGROUND

[001] The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, surgical stapling and cutting instruments, as well as staple cartridges for use therewith. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[002] Several characteristics of the modalities described here, along with their advantages, can be understood according to the description presented below, considered in conjunction with the attached drawings, as shown below:

[003] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an end actuator of a surgical stapling instrument according to at least one embodiment;

[004] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge for use with the end actuator of Figure 1;

[005] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a wire clip removablely stored in the clip cartridge of Figure 2;

[006] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a staple driver configured to eject the staple of Figure 3 from the staple cartridge of Figure 2;

[007] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge for use with the end actuator of Figure 1;

[008] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a staple stored removablely in the staple cartridge of Figure 4;

[009] Figure 6 is an illustration representing that the staples of the staple cartridge of Figure 2 and the staples of the staple cartridge of Figure 4 are alignable with the pockets forming an anvil of the end actuator of Figure 1;

[010] Figure 7 is an elevation view of the clamp of Figure 5;

[011] Figure 8 is a partial side view of the clamp of Figure 5;

[012] Figure 9 is a partial side view of the clamp of Figure 5;

[013] Figure 10 represents a staple cartridge slider of Figure 4 that directly engages the staple of Figure 5;

[014] Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of Figure 4 illustrating the staple of Figure 5 in an unfired position;

[015] Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of Figure 4 illustrating the staple of Figure 5 in a fired position;

[016] Figure 13 comprises a perspective view and an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the clip of Figure 5;

[017] Figure 14 comprises a perspective view and an elevation view of a version of the clip of Figure 5 having non-parallel clip legs;

[018] Figure 15 is a partial plan view of a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment;

[019] Figure 16 is a rear end elevation view of a slider for use with the staple cartridge of Figure 15;

[020] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the slider of Figure 16;

[021] Figure 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge body of the staple cartridge of Figure 15;

[022] Figure 19 is a partial plan view of an anvil for use with the staple cartridge of Figure 15;

[023] Figure 20 is a partial plan view of a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment;

[024] Figure 21 is a front elevational end view of a slider for use with the staple cartridge of Figure 20;

[025] Figure 22 illustrates clips that have different sizes, according to at least one embodiment;

[026] Figure 23 includes perspective views of the clamps of Figure 22;

[027] Figure 24 is a partial plan view of a staple cartridge configured to use the staples of Figure 22; It is

[028] Figure 25 is a partial perspective view of the staple cartridge of Figure 24.

[029] Matching reference characters indicate matching parts in the various views. The examples described herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention in one way, and such examples are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[030] The applicant for this application holds the following US patent applications, which were filed on the same date as this application and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties: - US patent application No. serial, titled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF; attorney document no. END7980USNP/160155; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; attorney document no. END7981USNP/160156; - US Patent Application Serial No., entitled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS"; attorney document no. END7982USNP/160157; - US patent application serial number, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF; attorney's document number END7983USNP/160158; - US patent application serial number, entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES; attorney's document number END7984USNP/160159; and - US patent application serial number, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF; attorney's document number END7985USNP/160160.

[031] The applicant for this application holds the following US patent applications, which were filed on the same date as this application and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties: - US patent application No. serial, titled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; attorney document no. END7986USNP/160161; - US patent application serial number, entitled SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS; attorney document no. END7987USNP/160162; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; attorney document no. END7988USNP/160163; - US patent application serial number, entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES; attorney's document number END7989USNP/160164; - US patent application serial number, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; attorney's document no. END7990USNP/160165; - US patent application serial number, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; attorney's document no. END7991USNP/160166; - US patent application no. serial number, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE; attorney's document number END7992USNP/160167; - US patent application serial number, entitled METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE; attorney's document number END7993USNP /160168; - US patent application serial number , entitled FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS; attorney's document number END7994USNP/160169; - US patent application serial number 14/319,004 , entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS; attorney document no. END7995USNP/160170; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS; attorney document no. END7996USNP/160171; - US patent application serial number, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES; attorney document no. END7997USNP/160172; - US patent application serial number, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT; attorney document no. END7998USNP/160173; and - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN; attorney document no. END7999USNP/160174.

[032] The applicant for this application holds the following US patent applications, which were filed on the same date as this application and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties: - US patent application No. serial, titled METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT; attorney document no. END8013USNP/160175; - US patent application serial number, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES; attorney document no. END8014USNP/160176;

[033] US patent application serial number, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL; attorney document no. END8016USNP/160178; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN; attorney document no. END8017USNP/160179;

[034] US patent application serial number, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER; attorney document no. END8018USNP/160180; - US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT; attorney document no. END8019USNP/160181; - US patent application serial number, entitled FI RING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; attorney document no. END8020USNP/160182; - US patent application serial number, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT; attorney document no. END8021USNP/160183; - US Patent Application Serial No., entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE; attorney document no. END8022USNP/160184; and - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE; attorney document no. END8023USNP/160185.

[035] The applicant for this application holds the following US patent applications, which were filed on the same date as this application and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties: - US patent application No. series, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS; attorney document no. END8038USNP/160186; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS; attorney document no. END8039USNP/160187; - US patent application serial number, entitled METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT; attorney document no. END8041USNP/160189; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled BI LATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS; attorney document no. END8042USNP/160190; - US patent application serial number, entitled CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS; attorney document no. END8043USNP/160191; - US patent application serial number, entitled SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS; attorney document no. END8044USNP/160192; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES; attorney document no. END8045USNP/160193; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS; attorney document no. END8048USNP/160196; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS; attorney document no. END8050USNP/160198; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE; attorney document no. END8051USNP/160199; - US Patent Application Serial No., entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING S Doc. No. END8052USNP/160200; - US patent application serial number, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES; attorney document no. END8053USNP/160201; - US patent application serial number, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS; attorney document no. END8054USNP/160202; - US patent application serial number, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS; attorney document no. END8056USNP/160204; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH; attorney document no. END8057USNP/160205; - US patent application serial number, entitled CLOSURE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; attorney document no. END8058USNP/160206; and - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS; attorney document no. END8059USNP/160207.

[036] The applicant for this application holds the following US patent applications, which were filed on the same date as this application and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties: - US patent application No. series, entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES; attorney document no. END8000USNP/160208; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES; attorney document no. END8001USNP/160209; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES; attorney document no. END8002USNP/160210; - US patent application serial number, entitled DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; attorney document no. END8003USNP/160211; - US patent application serial number, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES; attorney document no. END8004USNP/160212; and - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS; attorney document no. END8005USNP/160213.

[037] The applicant for this application holds the following US patent applications, which were filed on the same date as this application and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties: - US patent application No. serial, titled METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT; attorney document no. END8006USNP/160214; - US patent application serial number, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM; attorney document no. END8007USNP/160215; - US patent application serial number, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS; attorney document no. END8008USNP/160216; - US patent application serial number, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS; attorney document no. END8009USNP/160217; - US patent application serial number, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM; attorney document no. END8010USNP/160218; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT; attorney document no. END8011USNP/160219; and - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS; attorney document no. END8012USNP/160220.

[038] The applicant for this application holds the following US patent applications, which were filed on the same date as this application and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties: - US patent application No. serial, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; attorney document no. END8024USNP/160221; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; attorney document no. END8025USNP/160222; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; attorney document no. END8026USNP/160223; - US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES; attorney document no. END8027USNP/160224; - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS; attorney document no. END8028USNP/160225; - US patent application serial no. , entitled JAW ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR; attorney document no. END8029USNP/160226; - US patent application serial number, entitled AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; attorney document no. END8030USNP/160227; - US patent application serial number, entitled PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; attorney document no. END8031USNP/160228; - US Patent Application Serial No., entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS; attorney document no. END8032USNP/160229; - US patent application serial number, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT; attorney document no. END8033USNP/160230; - US patent application serial number, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK; attorney document no. END8034USNP/160231; - US patent application serial number, entitled ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM; attorney document no. END8035USNP/160232; - US patent application serial number, entitled LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION; attorney document no. END8036USNP/160233; and - US Patent Application Serial No. entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES; attorney document no. END8037USNP/160234.

[039] The applicant for this application holds the following US patent applications that were filed on June 24, 2016 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties: - US patent application No. from serial 15/191,775, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/191,807 entitled STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/191,834 entitled "STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/191,788 entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/191,818 entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS;

[040] The applicant for this application holds the following US patent applications that were filed on June 24, 2016 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties: - industrial design patent application US Serial No. 29/569,218, entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER"; - US Industrial Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/569,227 entitled SURGICAL FASTENER; - US Industrial Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/569,259 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE"; and - US Industrial Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/569,264 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE";

[041] The applicant for this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on April 1, 2016 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties: - US patent application No. series 15/089,325 entitled METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,321 entitled MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,326 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,263 entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,262 entitled ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM; - US patent application Serial No. 15/089, 277 entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,296 entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,258 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,278 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,284 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,295 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,300 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,196 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,203 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT; - US patent application serial number 15/089,324, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,335 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,339 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,253 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS; - US patent application serial number 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,331 entitled ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,336 entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,312 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,309 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM"; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/089,349 entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL.

[042] The applicant for this application also holds the US patent applications identified below, which were filed on December 31, 2015, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, respectively : - US patent application serial number 14/984,488, entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/984,525 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/984,552 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS".

[043] The applicant for this application also holds the US patent applications identified below, which were filed on February 9, 2016, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, respectively : - US patent application serial number 15/019,220, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,228, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS"; - US patent application serial number 15/019,196, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,206, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY"; - US patent application serial number 15/019,215, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,227 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS"; - US patent application serial number 15/019,235, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,230 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS"; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS".

[044] The applicant for this application also holds the US patent applications identified below, which were filed on February 12, 2016, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, respectively : - US patent application serial number 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; - US patent application serial number 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; - US patent application serial number 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 15/043,289 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

[045] The applicant for this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on June 18, 2015 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties: - US patent application No. series 14/742,925 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,941 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,914 entitled "MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,900, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT; - US patent application serial number 14/742,885, entitled "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/742,876 entitled "PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

[046] The applicant for this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on March 6, 2015 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties: - US patent application No. serial 14/640,746 entitled "POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256184; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/02561185; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,832, titled ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256154; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256071; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256153; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, now published US Patent Application No. 2016/0256187; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,817 entitled INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256186; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE, now US Patent Application Serial No. 2016/0256155; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,837 entitled SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256163; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLER, now Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256160; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256162; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/640,780 entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256161.

[047] The applicant for this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on February 27, 2015 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entirety: - US patent application No. serial 14/633,576 entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249919; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,546, entitled "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND", now published US Patent Application No. 2016/249915; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,560 entitled SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY, now Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249918; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,555 entitled SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,542 entitled REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249908; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,548 entitled POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249909; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,526 entitled ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249945; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,541 entitled MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249927; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/633,562 entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249917.

[048] The applicant for this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on December 18, 2014 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entirety: - US patent application No. series 14/574,478, titled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174977; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/574,483 entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174969; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/575,139 entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174978; - US patent application serial number 14/575,148, entitled LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now published US patent application 2016/0174976; - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174972; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/575,143 entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174983; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/575,117, titled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174975; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGE-MENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174973; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/574,500 entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174971.

[049] The applicant for this application holds the following patent applications that were filed on March 1, 2013 and which are each incorporated herein by way of reference in their respective entirety: - US patent application No. series 13/782,295 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246471; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,323 entitled "ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,338 entitled "THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,499, entitled ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT, now US Patent No. 9,358,003; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,460 entitled "MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246478; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US Patent No. 9,326,767; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,481, titled SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now US Patent No. 9,468,438; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,518 entitled "CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, now US Patent No. 9,398,911; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/782,536 entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now US Patent No. 9,307,986.

[050] The applicant for this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on March 14, 2013 and which are each incorporated herein by way of reference in their respective entirety: - US patent application No. Serial No. 13/803,097 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now published US Patent Application No. 9,332,987; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,053, entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263564; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,210, entitled "SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263538; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,148, entitled "MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263554; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,066 entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263565; - US patent application serial number 13/803,117, entitled ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now US patent number 9,351,726; - US patent application serial number 13/803,130, entitled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US patent 9,351,727; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/803,159, entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.

[051] The applicant for this application also holds the following patent application, which was filed on March 7, 2014 and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety: - US patent application Serial No. 14/200,111, titled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263539.

[052] The applicant for this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on March 26, 2014 and which are each incorporated herein by way of reference in their respective entirety: - US patent application No. Serial No. 14/226,106 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272582; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,099 entitled "STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272581; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,094 entitled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,117 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272574; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,075 entitled "MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272579; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,093, entitled "FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,116 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272571; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,071, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272578; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,097 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272570; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,126, entitled "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272572; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,133 entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272557; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,081, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0277471; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,076 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280424; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,111 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272583; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/226,125 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280384.

[053] The applicant for this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on September 5, 2014 and which are each incorporated herein by way of reference in their respective entirety: - US patent application No. Serial No. 14/479,103 entitled "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066912; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/479,119 entitled "ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066914; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/478,908 entitled "MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066910; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/478,895 entitled "MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066909; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/479,110 entitled POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, now US Patent Application Publication No. US No. 2016/0066915; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/479,098 entitled "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066911; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/479,115 entitled "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066916; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/479,108 entitled "LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.

[054] The applicant for this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on April 9, 2014 and which are each incorporated herein by way of reference in their respective entirety: - US patent application No. Serial No. 14/248,590 entitled "MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305987; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,581, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT", now Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305989; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,595, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRU-MENT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305988; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,588 entitled "POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309666; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,591, entitled "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,584 entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305994; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,587 entitled "POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,586, entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305990; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/248,607 entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

[055] The applicant for this application also holds the following patent applications that were filed on April 16, 2013 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entirety: - US provisional patent application n Serial No. 61/812.365, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR"; - US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/812,376 entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER"; - US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/812,382 entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP"; - US provisional patent application Serial No. 61/812,385 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL"; and - US provisional patent application serial number 61/812,372 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR".

[056] The applicant for this application holds the following US patent applications that were filed on August 26, 2015 and which are each incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties: - US patent application No. series 14/836,324 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES FOR MINIMIZING STAPLE ROLL"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/836,411 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES COMPRISING HARDNESS VARIATIONS FOR IMPROVED FASTENING OF TISSUE"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/836,058 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE STRIPS FOR PERMITTING VARYING STAPLE PROPERTIES AND ENABLING EASY CARTRIDGE LOADING"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/836,110 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING CONFIGURATIONS FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENTS"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/836,036 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT A BOTTOM COVER"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/836,077 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING STAPLE CAVITIES FOR PROVIDING BETTER STAPLE GUIDANCE"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/836,225 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING STAPLE GUIDES"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/836,351 entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING STAPLE ALIGNMENT FEATURES ON A FIRING MEMBER; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/836,163 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING VARIOUS TISSUE COMPRESSION GAPS AND STAPLE FORMING GAPS"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/836,294 entitled "STAPLES CONFIGURED TO SUPPORT AN IMPLANTABLE ADJUNCT"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/836,375 entitled "STAPLES COMPRISING A COVER"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/836,137 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING FEATURES FOR CONTROLLING THE ROTATION OF STAPLES WHEN BEING EJECTED THEREFROM"; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/836,020 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES COMPRISING FEATURES FOR IMPROVED FASTENING OF TISSUE".

[057] The applicant for this application also holds the following patent applications, which were filed on December 23, 2013 and which are each incorporated herein by way of reference in their respective entireties; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/138,554 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE SHAFT ARRANGEMENTS"; now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173789; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/138,465 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES"; now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173744; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/138,474 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS"; now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173745; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/138,485 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH INDEPENDENT JAW CONTROL FEATURES"; now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173746; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/138,475 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES"; now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173749; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/138,481 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME"; now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173750; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/138,489 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES, STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND SURGICAL END EFFECTORS"; now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173751; - US Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/477,488 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER"; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/138,505 entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING AN EXTENDABLE FIRING MEMBER; now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173760; - Patent Application Nos. of Serial 14/138,518, entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DIRECTLY ENGAGE AND EJECT FASTENERS FROM THE FASTENER CARTRIDGE; now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173761; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/138,530 entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER INCLUDING FASTENER TRANSFER SURFACES; now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173762; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/138,507 entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173747; - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/138,497 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS"; now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173755; and - US Patent Application Serial No. 14/138,516 entitled "Surgical Cutting and Stapling Methods"; now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173756.

[058] Numerous specific details are presented to provide a complete understanding of the structure, function, manufacture and general use of the modalities described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components and elements have not been described in detail, so as not to obscure the modalities described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated in the present invention are non-limiting examples and, therefore, it is to be understood that the specific structural and functional details disclosed in the present invention may be representative and illustrative. Variations and alterations may be made thereto without deviating from the scope of the embodiments.

[059] The terms "comprises" (and any form of understanding, such as "comprises" and "which comprises"), "has" (and any form of has, such as "has" and "which has"), "includes " (and any form of includes, such as "includes" and "which includes") and "contains" (and any form of contains, such as "contains" and "which contains") are unrestricted linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device or apparatus that "comprises", "has", "includes" or "contains" one or more elements has those one or more elements, but is not limited to having only those one or more elements . Likewise, an element of a system, device or surgical apparatus that "comprises", "has", "includes" or "contains" one or more features has those one or more features, but is not limited to having just those one or more features.

[060] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used in the present invention with reference to a physician who manipulates the grip portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the physician, and the term "distal" refers to the portion located away from the physician. It will also be understood that, for the sake of convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up" and "down" may be used in the present invention in connection with the drawings. However, surgical instruments can be used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

[061] Several exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily understand that the various methods and devices disclosed in the present invention can be used in a number of surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. As this Detailed Description advances, the reader will further understand that the various instruments disclosed herein may be inserted into a body in any manner, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or perforation formed in tissue, etc. The functional portions or end actuator portions of instruments may be inserted directly into a patient's body or may be inserted through an access device that has a working channel through which the end actuator and elongated drive shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

[062] The surgical stapling system may comprise a drive shaft and an end actuator that extends from the drive shaft. The end actuator comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first gripper comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into, and removable from, the first jaw; however, other embodiments are envisaged in which a staple cartridge is not removable, or at least readily replaceable, from the first jaw. The second gripper comprises an anvil configured to deform the staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second claw pivots with respect to the first claw around a geometric axis of the lid; however, other embodiments are envisaged in which the first claw is pivotal with respect to the second claw. The surgical stapling system further comprises a pivot joint configured to allow the end actuator to be pivoted or pivoted relative to the drive shaft. The end actuator is rotatable about a pivot axis that extends through the pivot joint. Other embodiments are envisaged which do not include a pivot joint.

[063] The staple cartridge comprises a ground cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a platform extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved towards the staple cartridge to compress and secure the tissue against the platform. Thereafter, staples removablely stored in the cartridge body can be implanted into the tissue. The cartridge body includes clip cavities defined therein, the clips being removablely stored in the clip cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of a longitudinal slot and three rows of staple pockets are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may be possible.

[064] The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The actuators are movable between a first position, or unfired position, and a second position, or fired position, for ejecting staples from the staple cavities. The actuators are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer that extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge body and retain the retainer in the cartridge body. Triggers are movable between their untriggered positions and their positions triggered by a slider. The slider is movable between a proximal position adjacent to the proximal end and a distal position adjacent to the distal end. The slider comprises a plurality of inclined surfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, and the clamps supported thereon, towards the anvil.

[065] In addition to the above, the slider is moved distally by a trigger member. The trigger member is configured to contact the slider and push the slider toward the distal end. In one or more alternative embodiments, the slider is connected to the firing member. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The trigger member further comprises a first cam that engages the first jaw and a second cam that engages the second claw. As the trigger member is advanced distally, the first cam and second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the staple cartridge platform and the anvil. Other embodiments are envisaged in which the trigger member has only a cam member or no cam member at all. Such embodiments may comprise other suitable means for holding the first claw and the second claw in position. In any case, the trigger member also comprises a knife configured to make an incision in the captured tissue between the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable that the knife be positioned at least partially proximal to the inclined surfaces so that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.

[066] An end actuator 100 of a surgical stapling system is illustrated in Figure 1. The end actuator 100 comprises a frame 190, a cartridge gripper 110 and an anvil 120. The cartridge gripper 110 extends fixedly from frame 190. Anvil 120 is movable between an open or released position and a closed or secured position (Figure 1) with respect to cartridge jaw 110. In alternative embodiments, cartridge jaw 110 is movable between a position open or loose, and a closed or secured position, relative to the anvil 120. In at least one such embodiment, the anvil 120 extends fixedly from the frame 190.

[067] The cartridge claw 110 is configured to receive a staple cartridge, such as a staple cartridge 130, for example. Referring primarily to Figure 2, the staple cartridge 130 comprises a cartridge body 132. The cartridge body 132 comprises a platform 133 configured to support a patient's tissue, a longitudinal slit 135, and six longitudinal rows of staple cavities 134 defined in it. Longitudinal slot 135 is configured to receive a firing member, such as firing member 270 (Figure 12), for example. Each staple cavity 134 is configured to receive and removably store a staple 140 (Figure 3) therein. Staple cartridge 130 further comprises staple drivers, such as staple driver 180 (Figure 3A), for example, configured to drive staples 140 out of staple cavities 134. Referring to Figures 3 and 3A, each staple driver clip 180 comprises a frame 182 configured to support and/or engage a base or crown 142 of a clip 140. Other clip drivers are envisaged, in which the driver comprises two frames, three frames or four frames, for example, to support and engage more than one clamp.

[068] In addition to the above, the staple cartridge 130 further comprises a slider configured to engage the staple drivers 180. More specifically, the slider comprises one or more ramps configured to engage one or more cams defined in the staple drivers 180, such as cam 185, for example, and lift the staple drivers 180 and staples 140 into the staple cavities 134 as the slider is moved distally through the staple cartridge 130. The trigger member 270 is configured to move the slider distally from a proximal position, not fired toward a distal position, fired during a clip firing stroke. In at least one instance, each clip 140 is fully positioned below the platform 133 of the cartridge body 132 when the clips 140 are in their unfired positions. In such cases, the clip legs 144 of the clips 140 do not extend above the platform 133 when the clips 140 are in their unfired positions. In use, the spikes 146 of the clip legs 144 emerge above the platform 133 as the clips 140 are being fired. Such arrangements can reduce the possibility of staples 140 engaging a patient's tissue when staple cartridge 130 is moved relative to the tissue.

[069] In several other cases, in addition to the above, the ends 146 of the clamp legs 144 extend above the platform 133 when the clamps 140 are in their unfired positions. Referring primarily to Figure 2, the cartridge body 132 further comprises projections 136 extending above the platform 133 which are configured to at least partially encircle the spikes 146 when the clips 140 are in their unfired positions. The lengths of the clip legs 144 are selected such that the prongs 146 are positioned below the upper surfaces of the projections 136 when the clips 140 are in their unfired positions. The projections 136 are also configured to guide the clip legs 144 as the clips 140 are ejected from the clip pockets 134. In certain aspects, the projections 136 extend the clip pockets 134 above the platform 133. Such arrangements may allow allow larger or taller cleats to be used while at the same time providing protection for the cleats even if the cleats extend above platform 133.

[070] In addition to the above, the clamps 140 are composed of wires. The wire has a round, or at least substantially round, cross-section; however, any suitable cross section may be used. For example, a square cross section and/or a cross section that has at least one flat side could be used. The wire is comprised of metal, such as titanium and/or stainless steel, for example. That said, the wire can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, for example.

[071] Each clip 140 comprises a bent wire that has been formed to comprise the crown 142 and the clip legs 144 of the clip 140. As described in more detail below, the anvil 120 is configured to deform the clips 140 between a non-fired configuration (Figure 3) and a triggered configuration. As illustrated in Figure 3, the legs 144 of a clip 140 are not parallel to each other when the clip 140 is in its unfired configuration. In such cases, the clips 140 comprise substantially V-shaped configurations when the clips 140 are in their unfired configuration. In certain embodiments, staples having parallel, or at least substantially parallel, legs when the staples are in their configuration can be used. In such cases, the clips comprise substantially U-shaped configurations when the clips are in their unfired configuration.

[072] Again referring to Figure 2, the staple cartridge 130 further comprises a retainer 160 attached to the cartridge body 132. The retainer 160 extends at least partially around the bottom of the cartridge 132 and is configured to prevent the staples from 140, the clip drivers 180 and/or the slider fall out of the bottom of the cartridge body 132. The retainer 160 is configured to engage the cartridge body 132 by means of a press fit; however, retainer 160 may be attached to cartridge body 132 in any suitable manner. Further, retainer 160 is configured to engage cartridge jaw 110 by means of a press-fit to releasably retain staple cartridge 130 in cartridge jaw 110. That said, staple cartridge 130 is releasably retainable releasable to the cartridge grip 110 in any suitable way.

[073] In addition to the above, the end actuator 100 is also configured to be used with staple cartridges other than the staple cartridge 130, such as the staple cartridge 230 (Figure 4), for example. Stated another way, the staple cartridge 230, for example, can be used with the end actuator 100 instead of the staple cartridge 130. In certain cases, the end actuator 100 can be used with a staple cartridge 130 and , after the staple cartridge 130 has been at least partially fired, the staple cartridge 130 can be removed from the first jaw 110 and then replaced with an unfired staple cartridge 230. In many cases, a surgeon can selectively use and interchangeably one or more staple cartridges 130 and one or more staple cartridges 230 in any suitable order.

[074] Referring to Figure 4, the staple cartridge 230 comprises a cartridge body 232 and a retainer 260 attached to the cartridge body 232. The retainer 260 is similar to the retainer 160 in many respects. Retainer 260 is configured to engage cartridge body 232 in a snap fit manner; however, retainer 260 may be attached to cartridge body 232 in any suitable manner. Further, retainer 260 is configured to engage cartridge jaw 110 in a snap-fit manner to releasably retain staple cartridge 230 in cartridge jaw 110. That said, staple cartridge 230 can be retained in any manner. releasably to the cartridge grip 110 in any suitable manner.

[075] Cartridge body 232 comprises a platform 233 configured to support a patient's tissue, a longitudinal slit 135, and longitudinal rows of clip cavities defined therein. The platform 233 comprises a first portion on a first side of the longitudinal slot 135 and a second portion on a second side of the longitudinal slot 135. Each of the first portion and the second portion of the platform 233 comprises a first longitudinal, or inner, row of staple pockets, a second, or middle, longitudinal row of staple pockets, and a third longitudinal, or outer, row of staple pockets. The first portion of the platform 233 comprises a first longitudinal row comprising clip pockets 234a, a second longitudinal row comprising clip pockets 234a, and a third longitudinal row comprising clip pockets 234a'. The second portion of the platform 233 comprises a first longitudinal row comprising clamp cavities 234a', a second longitudinal row comprising clamp cavities 234a', and a third longitudinal row comprising clamp cavities 234.

[076] In addition to the above, the clip cavities 234a and the clip cavities 234a' are similar in many respects, except for the fact that they are mirror images of each other. The clip cavities 234a may be called the 'left' clip cavities and the clip cavities 234a' may be called the 'right' clip cavities. Obviously, left and right are a matter of perspective and a different, or even opposite, nomenclature could be used. In addition, any suitable arrangement of left clip pockets 234a and right clip pockets 234a' may be used.

[077] With reference to Figures 4, 5 and 14, a clip 240 is removablely stored in each clip cavity 234a. Referring to Figure 13, a clip 240' is removablely stored in each clip cavity 234a'. Clamp 240 and clamp 240' are similar in many respects, except that they are mirror images of one another. Consistent with the nomenclature used above, clamp 240 is a 'left' clamp and clamp 240' is a 'right' clamp.

[078] Again referring to Figure 4, the second portion of the platform 233 is a mirror image of the first portion of the platform 233. Such an arrangement produces symmetrical staple lines with respect to the tissue cutting line, that is, a longitudinal incision created by a cutting edge 272 defined in firing member 270 as firing member 270 moves distally across longitudinal slot 135 during a firing stroke. In other embodiments, the second platform portion 233 is not a mirror image of the first platform portion 233. Such arrangements produce asymmetrical staple lines in the fabric being stapled relative to the cut line.

[079] Referring primarily to Figures 7 to 10, the clamp 240 comprises a crown 242, a proximal clamp leg 244p connected to the crown 242 and a distal leg 244d connected to the crown 242. More particularly, the clamp 240 comprises a connector proximal connector 248p connecting proximal clamp leg 244p to crown 242 and a distal connector 248d connecting distal clamp leg 244d to crown 242. Proximal connector 248p is integrally formed with proximal clamp leg 244p and crown 242 and, similarly, the distal connector 248d is integrally formed with the distal clamp leg 244d and the crown 242. The clamp 240 further comprises a driver 246 formed integrally with and extending from the crown 242. The driver 246 comprises a surface of cam 245 defined therein which is configured to be directly engaged by a slider 250 of staple cartridge 230 during the course of staple firing, as illustrated in Figure 10.

[080] As can be seen in Figures 7 to 10, the crown 242 and the driver 246 collectively define a height that is higher than the proximal connector 248p and/or the distal connector 248d. Furthermore, the collective height of crown 242 and driver 246 defines a dimension that is greater than any cross-sectional width of clamp legs 244p and 244d.

[081] As can also be seen in Figures 7 to 10, the proximal leg 244p, the proximal connector 248p, the distal leg 244d and the distal connector 244d do not extend below the actuator 246. In other words, the actuator 246 comprises the bottom of clamp 240. Furthermore, the entire surface of cam 245 is below proximal leg 244p, proximal connector 248p, distal leg 244d, and distal connector 244d. Such an arrangement helps ensure that slider 250 contacts driver 246 of clamp 240, and not another portion of clamp 240.

[082] In addition to the above, with reference again to Figure 13, the clamp 240' comprises a crown 242', a proximal leg 244p' connected to the crown 242', a distal leg 244d' connected to the crown 242', and a actuator 246' integrally formed with and extending from crown 242'. Driver 246' comprises a cam surface 245' defined thereon which is configured to be directly engaged by slider 250 during the clip firing stroke. Except where otherwise specified, the teachings provided herein regarding clamps 240 are adaptable to clamps 240'. For the sake of brevity, discussions addressing these adaptations may not be specifically articulated in the present invention.

[083] Each clamp 240 is comprised of a unitary piece of metal, such as titanium and/or stainless steel, for example. Other materials, such as plastic, for example, could be used. In many cases, staples 240 are stamped from one or more sheets of material. In at least one instance, a continuous flat strip of metal stock is fed into an advancing die which strikes or stamps the strip of material and displaces the crown 242 away or out of plane with the clamp legs 244p and 244d. Alternatively, the clip legs 244p and 244d are offset away or out of plane with the crown 242. In several cases, the advance matrix is also configured to form one or more radiated edges on the clips 240, as on clamp legs 244p and 244d, for example. The advance die is also configured to wedge the tips 246 of the clip legs 244p and 244d, in certain cases, and remove any excess material from the material web. Each of these formation steps can occur at one or more stations of the advance matrix and/or at the same formation station, or stations, of the advance matrix. This arrangement will ultimately produce a strip of staples 240 attached to a continuous bandolier, for example. The staples 240 are separated from the sling and then inserted into the staple cavities 234. In certain cases, the strip of staples 240 is loaded into a loading block where the sling is then removed from the staples 240. The loading block is used to insert the staples 240 into the staple cavities 234a of the cartridge body 232. In at least one case, the loading block is also configured to receive staples 240', so that the staples 240 and 240' are loaded into the 232 cartridge body at the same time.

[084] In addition to the above, with reference mainly to Figure 7, the driver 246 of each clamp 240 is attached to the sling at a connection point 249 that is defined on the distal side of the driver 246. Such an arrangement reduces the possibility of a burr or spike, for example, extends downward from driver 246 and impedes longitudinal advancement of slider 250. That said, any suitable attachment point, or points, could be used to retain clips 240 on the sling. In addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, a wire burn-in operation, electrical discharge machining, and/or any other suitable fabrication process can be used to form the clips 240. In addition, the clips 240' can be manufactured using any of the methods described here, among others.

[085] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the proximal clip leg 244p and the distal clip leg 244d of a clip 240 define a clip leg plane 241s. When a clip 240 is positioned in a clip socket 234a, in addition to the above, the proximal clip leg 244p of the clip 240 is positioned proximally relative to the distal clip leg 244d. Furthermore, the proximal clip leg 244p and the distal clip leg 244d of a clip 240 are aligned with a trigger axis. This firing axis is also aligned with the clip legs 244p and 244d of other clips 240 when clips 240 are positioned in a longitudinal row of clip cavities 234a. As a result, the clip leg planes 241s of the clips 240 in a longitudinal row of clip cavities 234a are aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with one another. It should be appreciated that the staple legs 244p and 244d comprise a width or thickness, and that the layout of the staple leg 241s may include the widths of the staple legs 244p and/or 244d.

[086] In addition to the above, with reference to Figures 4 and 6, the left staples 240 stored in the first internal longitudinal row of staple cavities are removablely stored therein, so that the staple leg planes 241s of the clamps 240 are closer to the longitudinal slot 135 than their actuating planes 241c. Correspondingly, with continued reference to Figures 4 and 6, the right-hand staples 240' stored in the second inner longitudinal row of staple cavities are also removablely stored therein, so that the staple leg planes 241s of the staples 240' are closer to the longitudinal slot 135 than their drive planes 241c. Similarly, the left staples 240 stored in the first intermediate longitudinal row of staple cavities are removablely stored therein such that the staple leg planes 241s of the staples 240 are closer to the longitudinal slot 135 than their planes. drive 241c. Likewise, the trailing staples 240' stored in the second intermediate longitudinal row of staple cavities are removablely stored therein so that the staple leg planes 241s of the staples 240' are closer to the longitudinal slot 135 than your 241c trigger plans. On the other hand, referring again to Figures 4 and 6, the right-hand clips 240' stored in the first outer longitudinal row of clip cavities are removablely stored therein so that the actuating planes 241c of the clips 240' are closer to each other. next to the longitudinal slot 135 that its clip leg planes 241s. Likewise, the left-hand staples 240 stored in the second outer longitudinal row of staple cavities are also removablely stored therein such that the driving planes 241c of the staples 240 are closer to the longitudinal slot 135 than their planes of engagement. clip leg 241s.

[087] The clamp legs 244p and 244d of a clamp 240 comprise a tissue gripping or gripping portion of the clamp 240 that is configured to trap a patient's tissue in the clamp 240 when the legs 244p and 244d of the clamp 240 are deformed against the anvil 120, as described in more detail below. In various instances, the proximal clamp leg 244p and the distal clamp leg 244d are formed within the clamp leg plane 241s. In other cases, however, one or both of the clip legs 244p and 244d may be deformed out of the plane of clip leg 241s.

[088] In addition to the above, the proximal clip leg 244p of a clip 240 is parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the clip leg 244d when the clip 240 is in its unfired configuration, as illustrated in Figure 7. As a result, the clip legs 244p, 244d and crown 242 of clip 240 form a substantially U-shaped configuration when clip 240 is in its unfired configuration. In such an configuration, the upward movement of the staple legs 244p and 244d as the staple 240 is ejected from the staple cavity 234a can be easier to control than in other configurations. In various alternative embodiments, with reference to Figure 14, the proximal clamp leg 244p and the distal clamp leg 244d of the clamp 240 extend outward from each other and/or in directions that are not parallel to each other. In at least one of these instances, the clip legs 244p, 244d and crown 242 of clip 240 form a substantially V-shaped configuration when clip 240 is in its unfired configuration. In such a configuration, the clip legs 244p and 244d of a clip 240 can be in contact with, and resiliently biased inwardly by, the side walls of a clip cavity 234a which can resiliently secure the clips 240 in the clip cavities 234a.

[089] In addition to the above, the retainer 260 extends at least partially around the bottom of the cartridge 232 and is configured to prevent the clips 240, the clips 240' and/or the slider 250 from falling out of the bottom of the 232 cartridge body.

[090] Referring primarily to Figure 10, the driver 246 of a clamp 240 comprises a driver portion of the clamp 240. A longitudinal ramp 255 of the slider 250 is configured to sequentially engage and slide under the drivers 246 of the clamps 240 to lift the clamps 240 upward within clamp cavities 234a towards anvil 120. Cam surface 245 of each clamp 240 is defined on the proximal side of driver 246 and comprises the point at which slider 250 initiates contact with clamp 240. The driver 246 of each clamp 240 is defined within a driver plane 241c that is aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with the longitudinal ramp 255. The cam surface 245 is also defined within the driver plane 241c. It will be appreciated that cam surface 245 and/or driver 246 comprise a width or thickness, and that drive plane 241c may include the width of cam surface 245 and/or driver 246.

[091] Again referring to Figures 8 and 9, the connectors 248p and 248d separate the clamp legs 244p and 244d, respectively, from the crown 242 of a clamp 240. As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the drive plane 241c of a clip 240 is laterally displaced from the clip leg plane 241s of the clip 240. As also illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the drive plane 241c of a clip 240 is parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, the leg plane of clip 241s from clip 240. In such cases, the actuating planes 241c of a longitudinal row of clips 240 are aligned with one another along a longitudinal actuating axis. The longitudinal drive axis is parallel and adjacent to the longitudinal drive axis aligned with the planes of clip leg 241s, which is discussed above.

[092] Referring again to Figures 8 to 10, the longitudinal ramps 255 do not engage the proximal connectors 248p or the distal connectors of the clamps 240. Similarly, the longitudinal ramps 255 do not engage the clamp legs 244p and 244d of the clamps 240 Further, no portion of the slider 250 engages the proximal connectors 248p, the proximal clamp legs 244p, the distal connectors 248p, and the distal clamp legs 244d of the clamps 240. Rather, the longitudinal ramps 255 directly engage the surfaces of cam 245 of clamps 240 as slider 250 is moved distally during a firing stroke. As slider 250 is moved distally, longitudinal ramps 255 slide under cam surfaces 245 and sequentially lift clamps 240 upward toward anvil 120 between a non-fired position (Figure 11) and a fired position (Figure 12). ). Stated another way, clips 240 slide up longitudinal chutes 255 within clip cavities 234a toward their fired positions, as illustrated in Figure 12.

[093] In addition to the above, with reference primarily to Figure 10, the actuation surface 245 of the clamp 240 does not extend into the proximal connector 248p. Driver 246 comprises a notch, or relief, 247 that separates driver surface 245 from proximal connector 248p. In many cases, notch 247 is defined in drive plane 241c. In at least one instance, notch 247 extends into proximal connector 248p. Notch 247 is configured to ensure that slider 250 contacts driver 246 of clamp 240, i.e., within drive plane 241c of clamp 240, and not proximal connector 248p and/or proximal leg 244p. Notch 247 also creates a clear boundary between driver 246 and proximal connector 248p so that cam surface 245 is not twisted away from driver plane 241c. Furthermore, notch 247 separates drive plane 241c from a perpendicular plane including proximal clamp leg 244p.

[094] Similar to the above, the drive surface 245 does not extend into the distal connector 248d.

[095] In addition to the above, the actuation surfaces 245 of the clamps 240 extend at an angle that corresponds, or at least substantially corresponds, to the angle of the longitudinal ramps 255 of the slider 250. That said, any suitable angles could be used.

[096] In at least one case, in addition to the above, each clip 240 is fully positioned below the platform 233 of the cartridge body 232 when the clips 240 are in their unfired positions. In such cases, the legs 244 of the clamps 240 do not extend above the platform 233 when the clamps 240 are in their non-firing positions. In use, the spikes 246 of the clip legs 244 emerge above the platform 233 as the clips 240 are fired. Such arrangements can reduce the possibility of staples 240 catching on a patient's tissue when staple cartridge 230 is moved relative to the tissue.

[097] In several cases, in addition to the above, the ends 246 of the clamp legs 244p and/or 244d extend above the platform 233 when the clamps 240 are in their unfired positions. Referring primarily to Figures 4 and 6, the cartridge body 232 further comprises projections 236 extending above the platform 233 which are configured to at least partially encircle the spikes 246 when the clips 240 are in their unfired positions. The lengths of the clip legs 244p and 244d are selected so that the prongs 246 are positioned below the upper surfaces of the projections 236 when the clips 240 are in their unfired positions. In certain aspects, the projections 236 extend the clip cavities 234 above the platform 233. Such arrangements can allow for larger or taller clips to be used and, at the same time, provide protection for the clips even if the clips extend above the platform. 233. The projections 236 are also configured to guide the clip legs 244 as the clips 240 are ejected from the clip cavities 234.

[098] In addition to the above, the clamps 240 reach their fully fired configuration when the top surfaces 253 of the longitudinal ramps 255 pass under the bottom surfaces of the clamps 240. Referring now to Figure 12, a clamp 240 has almost reached the surface top 253 of a longitudinal ramp 255 and thus nearly reached its fully fired configuration. As the top surface 253 moves distally with respect to a deformed clip 240 and disengages from the deformed clip 240, elastic reaction forces and/or potential energy stored in the deformed clip 240 can push a portion of the deformed clip 240 back into the clamp cavity 234a from which it was ejected.

[099] Referring again to Figures 11 and 12, the anvil 120 comprises forming pockets configured to deform the clamps 240 and 240'. Each training pocket comprises a proximal training container 124p configured to receive the proximal clip leg 244p of a clip 240, for example, and a distal training container 124d configured to receive the distal clip leg 244d of the clip 240. The container proximal forming leg 124p is configured to deform proximal clamp leg 244p inwardly towards distal clamp leg 244d. Similarly, the distal forming vessel 124d is configured to deform the distal clamp leg 244d inwardly toward the proximal clamp leg 244p. Other embodiments are envisaged in which one or both of the clip legs 244p and 244d are bent away from each other and/or in any other suitable direction. Referring again to Figure 12, the clamps 240 and 240' are deformed into a B-shaped configuration by the anvil 120; however, the anvil 120 can be configured to deform the clamps 240 and 240' into any suitable configuration.

[0100] As discussed above, the end actuator 100 is usable with a staple cartridge 100 or, alternatively, a staple cartridge 200. As a result, the anvil 120 is configured to deform the staples 140 from the staple cartridge 100 and, furthermore, the staples 240, 240' of the staple cartridge 200. In other words, each forming pocket defined on the anvil 120 is configured to deform a staple 140 that has been fabricated from a bent wire and a staple 240, or staple. 240', which was stamped from a flat sheet of material, for example. For example, referring primarily to Figure 6, the proximal forming container 124p of a forming pocket is configured to deform a proximal clip leg 144 of a clip 140 and a proximal clip leg 244p of a clip 240. Proximal formation 124p of a formation pocket is also configured to deform a proximal staple leg 244p' if a staple 240' is aligned with the formation pocket instead of a staple 240. Similar to the above, the formation container The distal clamp leg 124d of a forming pocket is configured to deform a distal clamp leg 144 of a clamp 140 and a distal clamp leg 244d of a forming pocket 240. Likewise, the distal forming container 124d of a forming pocket is also configured to deform a distal clip leg 244d' if a clip 240' is aligned with the forming pocket instead of a clip 240.

[0101] In addition to the above, the staple cavities 134 of the staple cartridge 130 and the staple cavities 234a of the staple cartridge 230 are alignable with the forming pockets of the anvil 120, so that the ends 146 of the staples 140 and tips 246 dps staples 240 hit the same points, or targets, within training vessels 124p and 124d - depending on which staple cartridge is attached to tip actuator 100. It should be understood that due to variations in tissue composition , for example, that the tips 146 and the tips 246 may not actually hit the same targets in the formation containers 124p and 124d. That said, the anvil forming cavities 120 are configured to guide the legs 144 of the clamps 140 and the legs 244p, 244d of the clamps 240 into desired alignment. To that end, proximal forming pots 124p comprise guide walls 126p and distal forming pots 124d comprise guide walls 126d that are configured to guide and form the legs of clips 140, 240, and 240' into a desired configuration.

[0102] Referring again to Figure 7, the clip 240 comprises a tissue engaging surface 243 defined on the top surface of the crown 242. The surface 243 of the clip 240 is configured to support and/or apply pressure to the captured tissue within clip 240 when clip 240 is formed into its fired configuration. Referring now to Figure 11, the surface 243 of the clamp 240 is positioned far below the platform 233 of the cartridge body 232 when the clamp 240 is in its unfired position. As the clamp 240 is moved into its triggered position, referring now to Figure 12, the surface 243 emerges at least partially above the platform 233. In other words, the slider 250 at least partially passes the clamp 240. In such cases, the surface 243 of clip 240 may be in a boundary position and apply pressure to tissue as clip 240 is being deformed. In certain cases, only a portion of the surface 243 is pushed excessively above the platform 233 when the clamp 240 is in its fully fired position. In other cases, the entire surface 243 is pushed excessively above the platform 233 when the clamp 240 is in its fully fired position. Such an arrangement can apply a significant amount of clamping pressure to the tissue, which can reduce tissue bleeding.

[0103] In various circumstances, in addition to the above, the driver 246 of a clamp 240 remains at least partially below the platform 233 when the surface 243 of the clamp 240 is excessively pushed above the platform 233. In certain cases, the clamp 240 is configured so that driver 246 does not emerge above platform 233 regardless of the amount by which surface 243 is pushed excessively above platform 233. In such cases, the entire driver 246 remains below platform 233 during the trigger firing process. clip. In at least one example, cam surface 245 of clamp 240 does not emerge above platform 233 when clamp 240 is pushed excessively. In several cases, the top surfaces 253 of the longitudinal ramps 255 do not extend above the platform 233, which means that the slider 250 will not drive all of the clips 240 above the platform 233 during the clip firing process.

[0104] It should be considered, in addition to the above, that the projections 236 extend above the platform 233. As illustrated in Figure 12, the slider 250 is configured to at least partially overlap the surfaces 243 of the clamps 240 above the projections 236. In such cases, surfaces 243 at least partially overlap projections 236 as clamp 240 is moved to its fully fired position. In certain instances, only a portion of surface 243 is excessively pushed above projections 246 when clamp 240 is in its fully fired position. In other cases, the entire surface 243 is excessively pushed above projections 246 when clip 240 is in its fully fired position. Such an arrangement can apply a significant amount of clamping pressure to the tissue, which can reduce tissue bleeding.

[0105] In addition to the above, the fabric engagement surface 243 may engage or come into direct contact with the fabric. In other cases, auxiliary material, such as a piece of reinforcing material and/or a tissue thickness compensator, for example, can be positioned on the platform 233 of the staple cartridge 230 and the tissue engaging surface 243 can engage or come into direct contact with the auxiliary material. References featuring auxiliary material are incorporated by reference elsewhere in this application.

[0106] Referring again to Figure 7, the fabric engaging surface 243 comprises a flat portion, a first angled portion on a first side of the flat portion, and a second angled portion on a second side of the flat portion. Such an arrangement can apply pressure to tissue captured within clamp 240 from three directions. That said, fabric engagement surface 243 can comprise any suitable configuration, such as an entirely flat configuration or a rounded configuration, for example.

[0107] As discussed above, with reference again to Figure 6, the staple cartridges 130 and 230 can be used selectively and interchangeably with the end actuator 100. As also discussed above, the staple cartridges 130 and 230 are attachable removablely to the jaw 110. In various alternative embodiments, each of the clip cartridges 130 and 230 comprises a complete jaw that is attachable to and removable from the frame 190 of the end actuator 110. In such cases, a physician could remove an entire jaw end actuator 110 staple cartridge gripper and replace it with another entire staple cartridge gripper - one that has not yet been fired and understands the staple types and/or staple pattern the clinician wants, for example.

[0108] In addition to the above, it should be considered that Figure 6 is an illustration intended to demonstrate that the end actuator 100 can be used with the staple cartridge 130 and the staple cartridge 230. Although the staple cartridge 130 and staple cartridge 230 are both shown in Figure 6, it should be understood that staple cartridge 130 and staple cartridge 230 are not used at the same time within the same end actuator 100. That said, various embodiments are envisaged. in which a staple cartridge uses wire staples and, in addition, staples formed from one or more sheets of material, for example. In at least one embodiment, a staple cartridge comprises staples 140 and staples 240 removablely stored therein, for example. Other embodiments are envisaged in which a staple cartridge comprises staples 140, staples 240 and staples 240', for example.

[0109] With reference to Figure 20, in addition to the above, a staple cartridge 430 comprises a cartridge body 432 including a platform 433 and a longitudinal slot 135 defined therein. The longitudinal slot 135 defines a longitudinal slot axis 139 extending through the center thereof. The staple cartridge 430 further comprises a first, or inner, longitudinal row of staple cavities 434a, a second, or intermediate, longitudinal row of staple cavities 434b, and a third, or outer, longitudinal row of staple cavities 434c in a side of the longitudinal slot 135. The staple cartridge 430 further comprises a first, or inner, longitudinal row of staple cavities 434a', a second, or intermediate, longitudinal row of staple cavities 434b', and a third, or outer, row longitudinal clip pockets 434c' on the other side of longitudinal slot 135. Clip pockets 434a, 434a', 434b, and 434b' are similar to the left clip pockets 234a (Figures 4 and 6) in many respects. Clip cavities 434c and 434c' are similar to clip cavities 134 (Figures 2 and 6) in many respects. Clips 240 are removablely stored in clip cavities 434a, 434a', 434b and 434b'. Staples 140 are removablely stored in staple cavities 434c and 434c'.

[0110] Referring to Figure 21, the staple cartridge 430 further comprises a slider 450 configured to eject the staples 140 and 240 from the cartridge body 432. The slider 450 comprises a longitudinal ramp 455a configured to directly engage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 434a, a longitudinal ramp 455a' configured to directly engage staples 240 stored in staple cavities 434a', a longitudinal ramp 455b configured to directly engage staples 240 stored in staple cavities 434b, and a longitudinal ramp 455b' configured to directly engaging the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 434b'. Slider 450 further comprises a longitudinal chute 455c configured to eject staples 140 from staple pockets 434c and a longitudinal chute 455c' configured to eject staples 140 from staple pockets 434c'. More specifically, staple cartridge 430 comprises a row of staple drivers configured to hold and/or engage staples 140 stored in staple cavities 434c and a row of staple drivers configured to hold and/or engage staples 140 stored in clip cavities 434c' and, as the slider 450 is advanced distally, the longitudinal ramps 455c and 455c' of the slider 450 engage the clip drivers to lift the clips 140 up into the clip cavities 434c and 434c' and deform the clips 140 against an anvil positioned opposite the staple cartridge 430. Such staple drivers may be similar in many respects to the staple driver illustrated in Figure 3A, for example.

[0111] In addition to the above, the clip cavities 434a are positioned along a longitudinal axis 437a, the clip cavities 434b are positioned along a longitudinal axis 437b, and the clip cavities 434c are positioned along of a longitudinal axis 437c. Similarly, clip pockets 434a' are positioned along a longitudinal axis 437a', clip pockets 434b' are positioned along a longitudinal axis 437b', and clip pockets 434c' are positioned along of a longitudinal axis 437c'. The distance between the longitudinal axis 437a and the longitudinal slot axis 139 is shorter than the distance between the longitudinal axis 437a' and the longitudinal slot axis 139. As a result, the longitudinal axis 437a' is staggered or laterally displaced compared to the longitudinal axis 437a. Similarly, the distance between the longitudinal row of clip cavities 434a and the longitudinal slot 135 is shorter than the distance between the longitudinal row of clip cavities 434a' and the longitudinal slot 135. longitudinal axis 437b and longitudinal slot axis 139 is shorter than the distance between longitudinal slot axis 437b' and longitudinal slot axis 139. As a result, longitudinal slot axis 437b' is staggered or laterally shifted by compared to the longitudinal axis 437b. Similarly, the distance between the longitudinal row of clip cavities 434b and the longitudinal slot 135 is shorter than the distance between the longitudinal row of clip cavities 434b' and the longitudinal slot 135. By comparison, the longitudinal axis 437c and longitudinal axis 437c' are equidistant from longitudinal slot axis 139. Correspondingly, the longitudinal rows of clip cavities 343c and clip cavities 343c' are equidistant from longitudinal slot 135.

[0112] The longitudinal rows of staple cavities defined in the staple cartridge 430 are not evenly spaced. In many respects, the spacing between the longitudinal rows is different. As can be seen in Figure 20, the spacing of the longitudinal rows of clip cavities 434a, 434b and 434c on one side of the longitudinal slot 135 is different from the spacing of the longitudinal rows of clip cavities 434a', 434b' and 434c' on the other. side of the longitudinal slot 135.

[0113] In addition to the above, the longitudinal geometric axes 437a, 437a', 437b, 437b', 437c and 437c' comprise drive geometric axes. These drive axes are aligned with the drive portions of the clamps 240 and the cam surfaces of the clamp drivers that support the clamps 140, as the case may be. The longitudinal ramps of slider 450 are aligned with these drive axes. For example, referring to Figures 20 and 21, the longitudinal ramp 455a of the slider 450 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 437a. Similarly, longitudinal ramp 455b is aligned with longitudinal axis 437b and longitudinal ramp 455c is aligned with longitudinal axis 437c. Furthermore, the longitudinal ramp 455a' is aligned with the longitudinal axis 437a', the longitudinal ramp 455b' is aligned with the longitudinal axis 437b', and the longitudinal ramp 455c' is aligned with the longitudinal axis 437c'. For that purpose, the longitudinal ramp 455a and the longitudinal axis 437a are at a distance 457a away from the longitudinal slit axis 139, the longitudinal ramp 455b and the longitudinal axis 437b are at a distance 457b away from the longitudinal slit axis 139, and longitudinal ramp 455c and longitudinal axis 437c are a distance 457c away from longitudinal slot axis 139. Similarly, longitudinal ramp 455a' and longitudinal axis 437a' are a distance 457a' apart from the longitudinal slot axis 139, the longitudinal ramp 455b' and the longitudinal axis 437b' are at a distance 457b' away from the longitudinal slot axis 139, and the longitudinal ramp 455c' and the longitudinal axis 437c' are at a distance 457c' away from the longitudinal slot axis 139.

[0114] As seen in Figure 21, none of the distances 457a, 457a', 457b and 457b' are the same. They are all different. As a result, the slider rails 450 are asymmetrically spaced.

[0115] Referring to Figure 21, the slider 450 comprises a center portion 451 configured to move within the longitudinal slot 135 of the cartridge body 432. The center portion 451 is sized and configured to be closely received within the slot 135, so so that little, if any, lateral movement is allowed between the slider 450 and the cartridge body 432 so that the longitudinal ramps of the slider 450 remain properly aligned with the clamps 240 and the clamp drivers that are configured to actuate the staples 140.

[0116] Again referring to Figure 20, the outer rows of staples dispensed by the staple cartridge 430 are wire staples, while the inner and intermediate rows of staples dispensed by the staple cartridge 430 are formed from flat stock and/or stamped. That said, other provisions are foreseen. In at least one case, for example, the middle and outer rows of staples dispensed by a staple cartridge are wire staples, while the inner rows of staples dispensed by the staple cartridge are stamped staples. In other cases, for example, the inner and middle rows of staples dispensed by a staple cartridge are wire staples, while the outer rows of staples dispensed by the staple cartridge are stamped staples. When a staple cartridge deploys two or more rows of wire staples on one side of a longitudinal slot, two or more rows of staple drivers can be used to deploy the staples from the staple cartridge. In various cases, a staple cartridge may utilize dual drivers, for example, which are configured to deploy wire staples from two longitudinal rows while the longitudinal rows comprising the wire staples are adjacent to each other. Other actuator arrangements configured to deploy more than two staples, such as three staples and/or four staples, for example, can be used.

[0117] As a result of the above, the staple cartridge 430 produces an asymmetric pattern of staples in the tissue. Among other things, staple cartridge 430 produces a first fabric staple pattern on a first side of the cut line and a second, or different, fabric staple pattern on a second side of the cut line.

[0118] With reference now to Figures 15 to 19, a staple cartridge 330 comprises a cartridge body 332 including a platform 333 and a longitudinal slot 135 defined therein. The longitudinal slot 135 defines a longitudinal slot axis 139 extending through the center thereof. The staple cartridge 330 further comprises a first, or inner, longitudinal row of staple cavities 334a, a second, or intermediate, longitudinal row of staple cavities 334b, and a third, or outer, longitudinal row of staple cavities 334c in a side of the longitudinal slot 135. The staple cartridge 330 further comprises a first, or inner, longitudinal row of staple cavities 334a', a second, or intermediate, longitudinal row of staple cavities 334b', and a third, or outer, row longitudinally of clip pockets 334c' on the other side of longitudinal slot 135. Clip pockets 334a, 334a', 334b, 334b', 334c and 334c' are similar to the left clip pockets 234a (Figures 4 and 6) in many ways. aspects. Staples 240 are removablely stored in staple cavities 334a, 334a', 334b, 334b', 334c and 334c'.

[0119] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the staple cartridge 330 further comprises a slider 350 configured to eject the staples 240 from the cartridge body 332. The slider 350 comprises a longitudinal ramp 355a configured to directly engage the stored staples 240 in staple cavities 334a, a longitudinal ramp 355a' configured to directly engage staples 240 stored in staple cavities 334a', a longitudinal ramp 355b configured to directly engage staples 240 stored in staple cavities 334b, and a longitudinal ramp 355b' configured for directly engaging clips 240 stored in clip cavities 334b'. Slider 350 further comprises a longitudinal ramp 355c configured to directly engage clips 240 stored in clip cavities 334c and a longitudinal chute 355c' configured to directly engage clips 240 stored in clip cavities 334c'.

[0120] In addition to the above, the clip cavities 334a are positioned along a longitudinal axis 337a, the clip cavities 334b are positioned along a longitudinal axis 337b, and the clip cavities 334c are positioned along of a longitudinal axis 337c. Similarly, clip cavities 334a' are positioned along a longitudinal axis 337a', second clip cavities 334b' are positioned along a longitudinal axis 337b', and clip cavities 334c' are positioned opposite each other. along a longitudinal axis 337c'. The distance between the longitudinal axis 337a and the longitudinal slot axis 139 is less than the distance between the longitudinal axis 337a' and the longitudinal slot axis 139. As a result, the longitudinal axis 337a' becomes misaligned or displaced laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis 337a. Similarly, the distance between the longitudinal row of clip cavities 334a and the longitudinal slit 135 is less than the distance between the longitudinal row of clip cavities 334a' and the longitudinal slit 135.

[0121] In addition, the distance between the longitudinal axis 337b and the longitudinal slit axis 139 is less than the distance between the longitudinal axis 337b' and the longitudinal slit axis 139. As a result, the axis longitudinal axis 337b' is misaligned or laterally displaced with respect to longitudinal axis 337b. Similarly, the distance between the longitudinal row of clip cavities 334b and the longitudinal slit 135 is less than the distance between the longitudinal row of clip cavities 334b' and the longitudinal slit 135. Also, the distance between the axis longitudinal axis 337c and the longitudinal slot axis 139 is shorter than the distance between the longitudinal axis 337c' and the longitudinal slot axis 139. As a result, the longitudinal axis 337c' becomes misaligned or laterally displaced relative to the axis longitudinal geometric 337c. Similarly, the distance between the longitudinal row of clip cavities 334c and the longitudinal slit 135 is less than the distance between the longitudinal row of clip cavities 334c' and the longitudinal slit 135.

[0122] In addition to the above, the longitudinal geometric axes 337a, 337a', 337b, 337b', 337c and 337c' comprise geometric drive axes. These drive axes are aligned with the drive portions of the clamps 240. The longitudinal ramps of the slider 350 are aligned with these drive axes. For example, the longitudinal ramp 355a of the slider 350 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 337a. Similarly, longitudinal ramp 355b is aligned with longitudinal axis 337b and longitudinal ramp 355c is aligned with longitudinal axis 337c. Furthermore, the longitudinal ramp 355a' is aligned with the longitudinal axis 337a', the longitudinal ramp 355b' is aligned with the longitudinal axis 337b', and the longitudinal ramp 355c' is aligned with the longitudinal axis 337c'. For this purpose, the longitudinal ramp 355a and the longitudinal axis 337a are at a distance 357a from the axis of the longitudinal slot 139, the longitudinal ramp 355b and the longitudinal axis 337b are at a distance 357b from the axis of the longitudinal slot 139 and the longitudinal ramp 355c and the longitudinal axis 337c are at a distance 357c from the longitudinal slit axis 139. Similarly, the longitudinal ramp 355a' and the longitudinal axis 337a' are at a distance 357a' from the slit axis longitudinal 139, the longitudinal ramp 355b' and the longitudinal axis 337b' are at a distance 357b' from the axis of the longitudinal slot 139 and the longitudinal ramp 355c' and the longitudinal axis 337c' are at a distance 357c' from the axis of the longitudinal slot 139.

[0123] Referring primarily to Figure 17, the slider 350 comprises a center portion 351 configured to move within the longitudinal slot 135 of the cartridge body 332. The center portion 351 is sized and configured to be closely received within the slot 135, so that little, if any, lateral movement is allowed between the slider 350 and the cartridge body 332, so that the longitudinal ramps of the slider 350 remain properly aligned with the clamps 240.

[0124] Again referring to Figure 17, a gap 359a is defined between the central portion 351 of the slider 350 and the longitudinal ramp 355a. Similarly, a gap 359b is defined between longitudinal ramp 355a and longitudinal ramp 355b and a gap 359c is defined between longitudinal ramp 355b and longitudinal ramp 355c. Span 359a is smaller than span 359b and, similarly, span 359b is smaller than span 359c. Likewise, a gap 359a' is defined between the central portion 351 of the slider 350 and the longitudinal ramp 355a'. Similarly, a gap 359b' is defined between the longitudinal ramp 355a' and the longitudinal ramp 355b' and a gap 359c' is defined between the longitudinal ramp 355b' and the longitudinal ramp 355c'. Span 359a' is smaller than span 359b' and, similarly, span 359b' is smaller than span 359c'. Other arrangements are possible.

[0125] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge body 332 illustrating longitudinal channels defined therein that connect the clip cavities in the rows of clip cavities and allow the longitudinal slider ramps 350 to pass through the cartridge body 332. For example, a channel 338a longitudinally connects the clip pockets 334a and is configured to receive the longitudinal chute 355a of the slider 350. Similarly, a channel 338b longitudinally connects the clip pockets 334b and is configured to receive the longitudinal chute 355b of the slider 350 and, in addition, a channel 338c longitudinally connects the clip pockets 334c and is configured to receive the longitudinal ramp 355c of the slider 350. Also, a channel 338a' longitudinally connects the clip pockets 334a' and is configured to to receive the longitudinal ramp 355a' of the slider 350, a channel 338b' longitudinally connects the clamp cavities 334b' and is configured to receive the longitudinal ramp 355b' of the slider 350, and a channel 338c' longitudinally connects the clamp cavities 334c' and is configured to receive longitudinal ramp 355c' from slider 350.

[0126] Referring now to Figure 19, an anvil 320 is configured for use with the staple cartridge 330. The anvil 320 comprises forming pockets 324 configured to deform the staples 240 removablely stored in the staple cartridge 330 when staples 240 are ejected from the staple cartridge 330. The forming pockets 324 are arranged in six longitudinal rows that may be registered with the six longitudinal rows of staple cavities defined in the staple cartridge 330. For example, a longitudinal row of pockets forming point 324 is defined along a longitudinal anvil axis 327a that is alignable with the clip leg planes of the clips 240 stored in the longitudinal row of clip cavities 334a. Similarly, a longitudinal row of forming pockets 324 is defined along a longitudinal axis of the anvil 327b that is alignable with the clip leg planes of the staples 240 stored in the longitudinal row of clip cavities 334b and furthermore , a longitudinal row of forming pockets 324 is defined along the longitudinal axis of the anvil 327c that is alignable with the staple leg planes of the staples 240 stored in the longitudinal row of staple cavities 334c. Furthermore, a longitudinal row of forming pockets 324 is defined along a longitudinal anvil axis 327a' that is alignable with the clip leg planes of the staples 240 stored in the longitudinal row of clip cavities 334a', a row longitudinal row of forming pockets 324 is defined along a longitudinal anvil axis 327b' that is alignable with the staple leg planes of staples 240 stored in the longitudinal row of staple cavities 334b', and a longitudinal row of forming pockets 324b'. formation 324 is defined along a longitudinal anvil axis 327c' that is alignable with the clip leg planes of the clips 240 stored in the longitudinal row of clip cavities 334c'.

[0127] Figure 22 illustrates clips that have different sizes, according to at least one embodiment. Referring primarily to Figures 22 and 23, a clamp 540' comprises a crown 542, a proximal clamp leg 544p' and a distal clamp leg 544d'. Clamp 540' further comprises a proximal connector 548p' which attaches proximal clamp leg 544p' to crown 542. Clamp 540' also comprises a distal connector 548d' which secures distal clamp leg 544d' to crown 542. proximal clamp leg 544p' and distal clamp leg 544d' define a first leg plane 550'. Clamp 540' further comprises a first cam surface that is integrally formed with crown 542. The first cam surface defines a cam plane 549. Proximal connector 548p' and distal connector 548d' define a distance 543' between the cam plane 549 and the first leg plane 550'.

[0128] Referring also to Figures 22 and 23, a clamp 540" comprises a crown 542, a proximal clamp leg 544p" and a distal clamp leg 544d". The clamp 540" comprises a proximal connector 548p" which secures the proximal clamp leg 544p" to the crown 542. The clamp 540" further comprises a distal connector 548d" that secures the distal clamp leg 544d" to the crown 542. The proximal clamp leg 544p" and the distal clamp leg 544d " define a second leg plane 550". Clamp 540" further comprises a second cam surface that is integrally formed with crown 542. The second cam surface defines a cam plane 549. Proximal connector 548p" and distal connector 548d" define a distance 543" between the cam plane 549 and the second leg plane 550".

[0129] With reference again to Figures 22 and 23, a clamp 540''' comprises a crown 542, a proximal clamp leg 544p''' and a distal clamp leg 544d'''. Clamp 540"' comprises a proximal connector 548p"' which secures the proximal clamp leg 544p''' to the crown 542. Clamp 540"' further comprises a distal connector 548d"' which secures the distal clamp leg 544d"' to the crown 542. The proximal clip leg 544p"' and the distal clip leg define a third leg plane 550"'. The clip 540"' further comprises a third cam surface integrally formed with the crown 542. The third surface cam plane defines a cam plane 549. The proximal connector 548p''' and the distal connector 548d''' define a distance 543''' between the cam plane 549 and the third leg plane 550'''.

[0130] As discussed above, the legs 548p' and 548d' of a clamp 540' are positioned equidistant from the cam plane 549 of the clamp 540'. Other embodiments are envisaged in which legs 548p' and 548d' are not equidistant from cam plane 549. In at least one embodiment, leg 548p' is positioned even farther from cam plane 549 than leg 548d'. Alternatively, leg 548d' is positioned even farther from cam plane 549 than leg 548p'. Such arrangements can provide a flow in the staples that increases blood flow to the tissue captured by the staples. Similarly, legs 548p" and 548d" may not be positioned equidistant from the cam plane 549 of clamps 540". Also, similarly, legs 548p''' and 548d''', respectively, may not be positioned equidistant from the cam plane 549 of the clamps 540'''.

[0131] With further reference to Figures 22 and 23, the clips 540', 540" and 540"' are comprised of any suitable material, such as those disclosed in connection with the clip 240, for example. Clamps 540', 540" and 540"' are formed from a single piece of metal. Other materials, such as plastic, for example, can be used. The clips are stamped using the same and/or equivalent processes as described in connection with clips 240 above, for example. In other embodiments, clips 540', 540" and 540"' are comprised of different materials than those described above in relation to clip 240.

[0132] As seen mainly in Figures 22 and 23, each of the clamps 540', 540" and 540"' comprise the same size crown 542. In other embodiments, the crowns 542 of the clamps 540', 540" and/or 540"' are different. Clamps 540', 540'' and 540'' comprise different widths between their cam planes and their clamp leg planes. As described above, clamp 540' comprises a cam plane 549 and a first leg plane 550' separated by a first distance 543', clamp 540'' comprises a cam plane 549 and a second leg plane 550 '' separated by a second distance 543'' and the clamp 540''' comprises a cam plane 549 and a third leg plane 550'' separated by a third distance 543'''. The first distance 543' of clamp 540' is less than the second distance 543'' of clamp 540''. The first distance 543' is also less than the third distance 543"' of the clamp 540"'. Similarly, the second distance 543'' of clamp 540" is less than the third distance 543"' of clamp 540"'.

[0133] Still referring to Figures 22 and 23, the distances 543', 543'' and 543''' that define the width of each clamp 540', 540'' and 540''', respectively, define the area of fabric contact surface of each staple leg. Squeezing pressure is applied to the tissue being stapled by the surgical staples using a surgical stapling instrument, as discussed above. The amount of clamping pressure applied to the fabric is proportional to the clamping force applied to the fabric and inversely proportional to the surface area in contact with the fabric. The tissue-contacting surface area of each staple leg varies with respect to each distance 543', 543'' and 543'''. More specifically, the clamping pressure applied to the tissue by the tissue-contacting surface of the staple legs decreases as the distance between the cam planes and the leg planes of the 540', 540'', and 540''' staples increases. Stated another way, the clamping pressure applied to the fabric increases as the distance between the cam planes and the leg planes of the clamps 540', 540'' and 540''' decreases.

[0134] Furthermore, with reference to Figures 22 and 23, the contact surface area of a staple with the fabric increases as the width of the staples 540', 540'' and 540''' increases. Consequently, the compressive force applied to tissue captured by a deformed staple is applied to a larger area of tissue as the staple width increases. By way of example, the clamp legs 544d'' and 544p'' of the clamp 540'' are set to a greater width 543'', away from the crown 542 than the width 543' of the clamp 540' and consequently the pressure applied to tissue by clamp 540'' is less than the pressure applied by clamp 540'. With respect to the clamp 540''', the clamp legs 544d''' and 544p''' are arranged in a width 543''', which is greater than both the widths 543' and 543'' of the clamps 540' and 540'' respectively. Consequently, the pressure applied to the fabric by the clamp 540'' is less than the pressure applied to the fabric by the clamps 540' and 540''.

[0135] The area of the surface in contact with the fabric of the staples 540', 540'' and 540''' increases in relation to the cut line. In at least one embodiment, the staples 540' are closer to the cut line and comprise the smaller tissue contact surface relative to the tissue contact surfaces of the staples 540'' and 540". 540'' are located adjacent the staples 540' on the opposite side of the cut line and the staples 540'' further comprise a tissue contact surface larger than the tissue contact surface of the staples 540'. staples 540"' are located adjacent to staples 540" and are furthest from the cutting line. Staples 540"'' comprise the largest tissue contact surface relative to the tissue contact surface of staples 540 ' and 540''.

[0136] Figure 24 shows a partial plan view of a staple cartridge 530 used to store the staples 540', 540'' and 540''' illustrated in Figure 22. With reference to Figures 24 and 25, the cartridge of staples 530 comprises a cartridge body 532. The cartridge body 532 comprises a platform 533 that supports tissue from a patient, a longitudinal slit 135, and six longitudinal rows of staple cavities defined in the cartridge body 532. The platform 533 comprises a first portion on a first side of the longitudinal slot 135 and a second portion on a second side of the longitudinal slot 135. The first portion and second portion of the platform 533 each comprise a first longitudinal, or inner, row of clip cavities 534' , a second longitudinal or intermediate row 534'' of clip cavities, and a third longitudinal or outer row of clip cavities 534'''. Each staple pocket receives and stores a staple therein. Staple cartridge 530 further comprises a plurality of staple drivers, such as the staple drivers 180 discussed above in relation to Figure 3A, for example. The staple drivers push the staples 540'', 540'' and 540''' out of the staple cavities 534'', 534''' and 534''', respectively.

[0137] In addition to the above, the first portion of the platform 533 comprises a first inner longitudinal row of clip cavities 534', a second intermediate longitudinal row of clip cavities 534'' and a third outer longitudinal row of clip cavities 534 '''. The second portion of the platform 533 comprises a first inner longitudinal row of clip cavities 534', a second intermediate longitudinal row of clip cavities 534'' and a third outer longitudinal row of clip cavities 534'''. In fact, the first portion of the platform 533 comprises a mirror image of the second portion of the platform 533. This arrangement produces staple lines symmetrical with respect to the cut line created in the fabric as a firing member, as the firing member 270 discussed above with respect to Figure 12, for example, being moved in a distal direction through cartridge body 530 during a firing stroke. Alternatively, first platform portion 533 may not be a mirror image of second platform portion 533 in some embodiments. Each of the longitudinal rows of clip cavities 534', 534'' and 534''' can be arranged in any suitable order and can hold any suitable variation of clips 540', 540" and 540"', among others.

[0138] The longitudinal rows of clip cavities support a plurality of clips 540', 540" and 540"', illustrated in the Figure. 22. The staple cavities 534' of the first inner longitudinal row store the staples 540'. The staple cavities 534'' of the second intermediate longitudinal row store the staples 540''. The clip cavities 534''' of the third outer longitudinal row store the clips 540'''. In some alternative embodiments, staples 540' are stored in the outermost rows of staples and staples 540"' are stored in the innermost portion of the staple rows. In other alternative embodiments, staples 540" are stored in the innermost portion of the staple rows and staples 540"' are stored in the middle staple rows. In some alternative embodiments, staples 540' are stored in the middle staple rows and staples 540" are stored in the outermost staple rows.

[0139] The staple cartridge 530 comprises three rows of staples on each side of the longitudinal slot 135, each of the three rows having different sizes of staples inside. Alternatively, a cartridge of staples may comprise some rows comprising the same sizes of staples and other rows comprising different sizes of staples. In some alternative embodiments, the innermost rows of staples and the intermediate rows of staples comprise staples 540', for example. In other embodiments, the intermediate staple rows and outermost staple rows comprise staples 540'', for example. In some alternative embodiments, the innermost staple rows and the outermost staple rows comprise staples 540''', for example. Alternatively, the innermost rows of staples, the middle rows of staples, and the outermost rows of staples may comprise any variety or suitable arrangement of staples 540', 540" and 540"'.

Examples

[0140] Example 1 - A surgical stapling system comprising a drive shaft that includes a proximal end and a distal end, and an end actuator that extends from the distal end of the drive shaft, the end actuator being mobile between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The end actuator comprises a frame, an anvil extending distally from the frame, the anvil comprising a longitudinal row of forming pockets, and a first clip cartridge assembly attachable to the end actuator. The first staple cartridge assembly comprises a first cartridge body that includes a first longitudinal row of staple cavities and, in addition, a plurality of first staples removablely stored in the first longitudinal row of staple cavities. Each first clip is comprised of a flexed wire and is aligned with a forming pocket when the end actuator is in the closed configuration. The surgical stapling system also comprises a second staple cartridge assembly attachable to the end actuator in place of the first staple cartridge assembly. The second staple cartridge assembly comprises a second cartridge body that includes a second longitudinal row of staple cavities and, in addition, a plurality of second staples removablely stored in the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. Every second clamp is formed from flat stock and is lined with a forming pocket when the end actuator is in the closed configuration.

[0141] Example 2 - The surgical stapling system of Example 1, each training pocket comprising a proximal training container and a distal training container.

[0142] Example 3 - The surgical stapling system of Examples 1 or 2, each first staple comprising a proximal leg formed by the proximal training container and a distal leg formed by the distal training container.

[0143] Example 4 - The surgical stapling system of Examples 1, 2 or 3, wherein each second staple comprises a proximal leg formed by the proximal training container and a distal leg formed by the distal training container.

[0144] Example 5 - The surgical stapling system of Examples 1, 2, 3 or 4, with the end actuator further comprising a claw configured to receive the first set of staple cartridges and the second set of staple cartridges, in place of the first set of staple cartridges.

[0145] Example 6 - The surgical stapling system of Example 5, in which the gripper is rotatable relative to the anvil to position the end actuator in the closed configuration.

[0146] Example 7 - The surgical stapling system of Examples 5 or 6, in which the anvil is rotatable relative to the gripper to place the end actuator in the closed configuration.

[0147] Example 8 - The surgical stapling system of Example 1, wherein the first cartridge assembly of staples comprises a first frame-attachable claw, and the second cartridge assembly comprises a second frame-attachable claw.

[0148] Example 9 - The surgical stapling system of Example 8, in which the anvil is rotatable relative to the structure to place the end actuator in the closed configuration.

[0149] Example 10 - The surgical stapling system of Examples 8 or 9, in which the first claw is rotatable relative to the structure to place the end actuator in the closed configuration when the first claw is attached to the structure, and the second jaw is rotatable relative to the frame to place the end actuator in the closed configuration when the second jaw is attached to the frame.

[0150] Example 11 - The surgical stapling system of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, the first set of staple cartridges comprising staple drivers configured to push the first clips out of the first clip cavities, and each second clip comprising an integrally formed clip driver.

[0151] Example 12 - a surgical stapling system comprising a drive shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, and an end actuator extending from the distal end of the drive shaft, the end actuator it is movable between a loose configuration and a trapped configuration. The end actuator comprises a frame, an anvil extending distally from the frame, the anvil comprising a longitudinal row of forming pockets, and a first clip cartridge assembly attachable to the end actuator. The first staple cartridge assembly comprises a first cartridge body that includes a first longitudinal row of staple cavities and, in addition, a plurality of first staples removablely stored in the first longitudinal row of staple cavities. Each first clamp is comprised of a flexed wire and is aligned with a forming pocket when the end actuator is in the clamped configuration. The surgical stapling system also comprises a second staple cartridge assembly attachable to the end actuator as an alternative to the first staple cartridge assembly. The second staple cartridge assembly comprises a second cartridge body that includes a second longitudinal row of staple cavities and, in addition, a plurality of second staples removablely stored in the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The second clips are stamped from one or more flat sheets of material and are aligned with the forming pockets when the end actuator is in the clamped configuration.

[0152] Example 13 - The surgical stapling system of Example 12, each training pocket comprising a proximal training container and a distal training container.

[0153] Example 14 - The surgical stapling system of Examples 12 or 13, each first staple comprising a proximal leg formed by the proximal training container and a distal leg formed by the distal training container.

[0154] Example 15 - The surgical stapling system of Examples 12, 13 or 14, wherein each second staple comprises a proximal leg formed by the proximal training container and a distal leg formed by the distal training container.

[0155] Example 16 - The surgical stapling system of Examples 12, 13, 14 or 15, with the end actuator further comprising a claw configured to receive the first set of staple cartridges and the second set of staple cartridges as an alternative to the first staple cartridge set.

[0156] Example 17 - The surgical stapling system of Example 16, in which the gripper is rotatable relative to the anvil to position the end actuator in the clamped configuration.

[0157] Example 18 - The surgical stapling system of Examples 16 or 17, in which the anvil is rotatable relative to the gripper to place the end actuator in the clamped configuration.

[0158] Example 19 - The surgical stapling system of Example 12, wherein the first cartridge assembly of staples comprises a first frame-fixable jaw, and the second cartridge set comprises a second frame-fixable jaw.

[0159] Example 20 - The surgical stapling system of Example 19, in which the anvil is rotatable relative to the structure to position the end actuator in the clamped configuration.

[0160] Example 21 - The surgical stapling system of Examples 19 or 20, in which the first claw is rotatable relative to the structure to place the end actuator in the clamped configuration when the first claw is attached to the structure, and the second jaw is rotatable relative to the frame to place the end actuator in the stuck configuration when the second jaw is attached to the frame.

[0161] Example 22 - The surgical stapling system of Examples 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21, the first set of staple cartridges comprising staple drivers configured to push the first clips out of the first clip cavities, and the second clip comprising an integrally formed clip driver.

[0162] Example 23 - A surgical fixation system comprising a drive shaft that includes a proximal end and a distal end, and an end actuator that extends from the distal end of the drive shaft, with the end actuator it is mobile between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The end actuator comprises a frame and an anvil extending distally from the frame, the anvil comprising forming pockets. The surgical attachment system further comprises a first fastener cartridge assembly attachable to the end actuator. The first fastener cartridge assembly comprises a first cartridge body including first fastener cavities and, in addition, a plurality of first fasteners stored removablely in the first fastener cavities. Each first fastener is comprised of a flexed wire, and the first fastener cavities are aligned with the forming pockets when the end actuator is in the closed configuration. The surgical fastener system also comprises a second fastener cartridge assembly attachable to the end actuator in place of the first fastener cartridge assembly, the second fastener cartridge assembly comprising a second fastener cartridge body including second fastener cavities and furthermore, a plurality of second fasteners are removablely stored in the second fastener cavities. Every second fastener is formed from flat stock, and the second fastener cavities are aligned with the forming pockets when the end-end actuator is in the closed configuration.

[0163] Example 24 - A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including a proximal end, a distal end, and staple cavities extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and, furthermore, stored staples removablely into the clip cavities, each clip being formed from a flat stock. Each clip comprises a crown, a proximal leg, a distal leg, the proximal leg and the distal leg defining a clip leg plane, and an inclined cam surface extending from and integrally formed with the crown, wherein the inclined cam surface defines a cam plane that is different from the clip leg plane. Each clip also comprises a proximal connector extending between and integrally formed with the proximal leg and crown and a distal connector extending between and integrally formed with the distal leg and crown, the inclined cam surface not extends from the proximal connector, and the inclined cam surface does not extend from the distal connector. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises a slider configured to engage the inclined cam surfaces of the staples and eject the staples from the staple cavities during a staple firing stroke.

[0164] Example 25 - The staple cartridge assembly of Example 24, in which the inclined cam surface is flat and in which the proximal connector and the distal connector flex outward from the cam plane towards the plane of the leg of clip.

[0165] Example 26 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 24 or 25, in which the inclined cam surface comprises a proximal frontal area in the cam plane.

[0166] Example 27 - The clip cartridge assembly of Examples 24, 25 or 26, each clip further comprising a clearance notch between the proximal front area and the proximal connector, and wherein the clearance notch is defined in the cam plane.

[0167] Example 28 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 24, 25, 26 or 27, with the proximal leg and distal leg of each staple extending outward in non-parallel directions from the crown when the staples are in an untriggered configuration.

[0168] Example 29 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 24, 25, 26, 27 or 28, in which the proximal and distal legs of the staples are flexed inward by the side walls of the staple cavities when the staples are stored in the staple cavities.

[0169] Example 30 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 or 29, in which the slider does not engage the proximal connectors and the distal connectors of the staples during the staple firing course.

[0170] Example 31 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30, in which the entire inclined cam surface is positioned below the proximal staple leg and the staple leg distal.

[0171] Example 32 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or 31, with the inclined cam surface comprising an initial collection point for the slider.

[0172] Example 33 - A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including a proximal end, a distal end, staple cavities extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and, in addition, staples stored in a removable way into the clip cavities, the clips being formed from one or more metal sheets. Each clamp comprises a crown, a proximal leg, a distal leg, and a cam surface extending from and integrally formed with the crown, the cam surface defining a cam plane, and the proximal leg and the distal leg are not in the plane of the cam. Each clamp further comprises a proximal connector extending between and integrally formed with the proximal leg and crown and a distal connector extending between and integrally formed with the distal leg and crown, the cam surface does not extend from the proximal connector. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises a slider configured to engage the cam surfaces of the staples and eject the staples from the staple cavities during a staple firing stroke.

[0173] Example 34 - The staple cartridge assembly of example 33, in which the cam surface is flat, and in which the proximal connector and the connector flex outward from the cam plane.

[0174] Example 35 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 33 or 34, the cam surface comprising a proximal front portion in the cam plane.

[0175] Example 36 - The clip cartridge assembly of Examples 33, 34 or 35, each clip further comprising a clearance notch between the proximal front area and the proximal connector, and wherein the clearance notch is defined in the cam plan.

[0176] Example 37 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 33, 34, 35 or 36, with the proximal leg and distal leg of each staple extending outward in non-parallel directions from the crown when the staples are in an untriggered configuration.

[0177] Example 38 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 33, 34, 35, 36 or 37, in which the proximal and distal legs of the staples are flexed inward by the side walls of the staple cavities when the staples are stored in the staple cavities.

[0178] Example 39 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 or 38, in which the slider does not engage the proximal connectors of the staples during the staple firing course.

[0179] Example 40 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 or 39, with the entire cam surface positioned below the proximal staple leg and the distal staple leg .

[0180] Example 41 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 or 40, with the cam surface comprising an initial collection point for the slider.

[0181] Example 42 - A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including a platform comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a longitudinal slot in the platform, the longitudinal slot being configured to receive a firing member , a first longitudinal row of staple cavities, and a second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a slider movable towards the distal end by the firing member during a firing stroke and a plurality of first staples removablely stored in the first longitudinal row of staple cavities, each first staple comprising a bent wire. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises a plurality of staple drivers configured to hold the first staples, the slider being configured to engage the staple drivers to eject the first staples from the first longitudinal row of staple cavities during the stroke of the staple cartridge. and a plurality of second clips removablely stored in the second longitudinal row of clip cavities, each second clip being formed from flat stock and comprising an integrally formed driver, and the slider being configured to engage directly the second staple's integrally formed drivers and eject the second staples from the second longitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

[0182] Example 43 - The staple cartridge assembly of Example 42, in which the first longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal slit, and the first longitudinal row of staple cavities is intermediate to the longitudinal slit and to the second longitudinal row of clip cavities.

[0183] Example 44 - The staple cartridge assembly of example 42, in which the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal slot, and the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is intermediate to the longitudinal slot and to the first longitudinal row of clip cavities.

[0184] Example 45 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 42, 43 or 44, the cartridge body further comprising a third longitudinal row of staple cavities, the staple cartridge assembly further comprising a plurality of third staples removablely stored in the third longitudinal row of staple cavities, and each third staple being comprised of a flexed wire.

[0185] Example 46 - The staple cartridge assembly of example 45, in which the third longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the first longitudinal row of staple cavities, and the staple drivers are configured to support the third staples , and wherein the slider is configured to engage the staple drivers to eject the third staples from the third longitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

[0186] Example 47 - The staple cartridge assembly of Example 45, further comprising a plurality of staple drivers configured to hold the third staples and be engaged by the slider to eject the third staples from the third longitudinal row of staple cavities during the shooting course.

[0187] Example 48 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 42, 43 or 44, the cartridge body further comprising a third longitudinal row of staple cavities, the staple cartridge assembly further comprising a plurality of third clips removablely stored in the third longitudinal row of clip cavities, each third clip being formed from flat stock and comprising an integrally formed driver, and the slider being configured to directly engage the third party's integrally formed drivers staples and eject the third staples from the third longitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

[0188] Example 49 - The staple cartridge assembly of example 48, in which the third longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal slot, and the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the third longitudinal row of cavities and the second longitudinal row of staple wells is intermediate the first longitudinal row of staple wells and the third longitudinal row of staple wells.

[0189] Example 50 - A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cutting member and a cartridge body, the cartridge body including a platform comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a longitudinal slit defined in the platform, wherein the longitudinal slot is configured to receive the cutting member, a first longitudinal row of clip pockets, and a second longitudinal row of clip pockets. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a slider movable towards the distal end by the cutting member during a firing stroke and a plurality of first staples removablely stored in the first longitudinal row of staple cavities, each first staple comprises a flexed wire. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises a plurality of staple drivers configured to hold the first staples, the slider being configured to engage the staple drivers to eject the first staples from the first longitudinal row of staple cavities during the stroke of and, in addition, a plurality of second clips removablely stored in the second longitudinal row of clip cavities, the second clips being stamped from one or more sheets of metal, and the slider being configured to engage directly the second staples and eject the second staples from the second longitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

[0190] Example 51 - The staple cartridge assembly of example 50, with the first longitudinal row of staple cavities adjacent to the longitudinal slit, and the first longitudinal row of staple cavities being intermediate to the longitudinal slit and the second longitudinal row of clip cavities.

[0191] Example 52 - The staple cartridge assembly of Example 50, in which the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal slot, and the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is intermediate to the longitudinal slot and to the first longitudinal row of clip cavities.

[0192] Example 53 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 50, 51 or 52, the cartridge body further comprising a third longitudinal row of staple cavities, the staple cartridge assembly further comprising a plurality of third staples removablely stored in the third longitudinal row of staple cavities, and each third staple being comprised of a flexed wire.

[0193] Example 54 - The staple cartridge assembly of Example 53, in which the third longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the first longitudinal row of staple cavities, and the staple drivers are configured to support the third staples , and wherein the slider is configured to engage the staple drivers to eject the third staples from the third longitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

[0194] Example 55 - The staple cartridge assembly of Example 53, further comprising a plurality of staple drivers configured to hold the third staples and be engaged by the slider to eject the third staples from the third longitudinal row of staple cavities during the shooting course.

[0195] Example 56 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 or 55, the cartridge body additionally comprising a third longitudinal row of staple cavities, the cartridge assembly of The clip further comprises a plurality of third clips removablely stored in the third longitudinal row of clip cavities, the third clips being formed from one or more sheets of metal, and the slider being configured to engage directly third staples and eject the third staples from the third longitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

[0196] Example 57 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 50, 51 or 52, in which the third longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal slot, and the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the third longitudinal row of staple wells, and wherein the second longitudinal row of staple wells is intermediate the first longitudinal row of staple wells and the third longitudinal row of staple wells.

[0197] Example 58 - A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including a platform comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a longitudinal slot in the platform, the longitudinal slot being configured to receive a firing member and a plurality of clip cavities. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a slider movable towards the distal end by the firing member during a firing stroke, a plurality of first staples removablely stored in the staple cavities, each first staple being comprised of a wire and, in addition, a plurality of staple drivers, the slider being configured to engage the staple drivers to eject the first staples from the staple cavities during the firing stroke. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises a plurality of second staples removablely stored in the staple cavities, each second staple being formed from flat stock and comprising an integrally formed driver, and the slider being configured to directly engage the second staples' integrally formed drivers and eject the second staples from the staple cavities during the firing stroke.

Example 59 - A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including a proximal end, a distal end, a platform configured to support a patient's tissue, and a plurality of staple cavities defined in the platform. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises a plurality of metal staples removablely stored in the staple cavities, each metal staple comprising a crown comprising a tissue contact surface, a first leg connected to the crown, a second leg connected to the crown and an actuator integrally formed with the crown. Furthermore, the staple cartridge assembly comprises a slider movable towards the distal end during a firing stroke, the slider being configured to directly engage the metal staple drivers and move each metal staple between a non-fired position and a non-firing position. triggered position during the firing stroke, with the tissue-contacting surfaces of the crowns positioned above the platform when the metal clips are in the triggered position, and the drivers of the metal clips positioned at least partially below the platform when the metallic clips are in the triggered position.

[0199] Example 60 - The clip cartridge assembly of example 59, the cartridge body further comprising guides extending from the platform that are configured to support and guide the clip legs above the platform as the clips of metal clasps are moved into the fired position, and the tissue-contacting surfaces of the crowns are at least partially positioned above the guides when the metal clasps are in the fired position.

[0200] Example 61 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 59 or 60, the slider comprising one or more actuation surfaces configured to engage the metal staple actuators, each actuation surface comprising a surface top surface, and the top surface of each drive surface being fully below the platform.

[0201] Example 62 - A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including a proximal end, a distal end, a platform configured to support tissue from a patient, and a staple cavity defined in the platform. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a staple removablely stored in the staple cavity, the staple including a crown comprising a tissue-engaging surface, a first leg extending from the crown, a second leg extending extends from the crown, and an actuator integrally formed with the crown. Further, the staple cartridge assembly comprises a slider movable toward the distal end during a firing stroke, the slider being configured to directly engage the staple driver and move the staple between a non-fired position and a fired position. during the firing stroke, provided that the fabric engaging surface of the crown is positioned at least partially above the platform when the clamp is in the fired position, and provided that the driver is positioned at least partially below the platform when the clamp is in the firing position. triggered position.

[0202] Example 63 - The staple cartridge assembly of example 62, the cartridge body further comprising a guide extending from the platform that is configured to support and guide the first staple leg above the platform as per the clip is moved to the fired position, and the crown tissue contact surface is at least partially positioned above the guide when the clip is in the fired position.

[0203] Example 64 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 62 or 63, wherein the slider comprises an actuating surface configured to engage the staple driver, wherein the actuating surface comprises a top surface, and wherein the top surface is completely below the platform.

[0204] Example 65 - A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including a proximal end, a distal end, a platform configured to support a patient's tissue, and a staple cavity defined in the platform. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a staple removablely stored in the staple cavity, the staple including a crown comprising a tissue-engaging surface, a first leg extending from the crown, a second leg extending extends from the crown, and an actuator integrally formed with the crown. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a trigger member movable toward the distal end during a firing stroke, the trigger member configured to directly engage the clip driver and move the clip between an unfired position and an unfired position. triggered position during the firing stroke, and provided that the fabric engaging surface of the crown is positioned fully above the platform when the clamp is in the triggered position, and provided that the trigger is positioned fully below the platform when the clamp is in the triggered position.

[0205] Example 66 - The staple cartridge assembly of example 65, the cartridge body further comprising a guide extending from the platform that is configured to support and guide the first staple leg above the platform as the clip is moved into the fired position, and the tissue contact surface of the crown is fully positioned partially above the guide when the clip is in the fired position.

[0206] Example 67 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 65 or 66, the trigger member comprising an actuating surface configured to engage the staple driver, the actuating surface comprising a top surface, and the top surface being entirely below the platform.

[0207] Example 68 - A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body, including a platform configured to support the tissue, the longitudinal slit defined in the platform, the longitudinal slit defining a longitudinal slit axis, the longitudinal slit axis being The longitudinal slot is configured to receive a cutting member and wherein the platform comprises a first platform portion on a first side of the longitudinal slot and a second platform portion on a second side of the longitudinal slot. The cartridge body further comprises a first row of clip cavities defined in the first platform portion adjacent the longitudinal slot, wherein the first row of clip cavities is defined along a first longitudinal axis, and a first distance being is defined between the first longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis. The cartridge body also comprises a second row of clip cavities defined in the second platform portion adjacent the longitudinal slot, the second row of clip cavities being defined along a second longitudinal axis, a second row of clip cavities being defined along a second longitudinal axis. distance is defined between the second longitudinal axis and the longitudinal slot axis, and where the second distance is different from the first distance. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises staples removablely stored in the first row of staple cavities and the second row of staple cavities.

[0208] Example 69 - The staple cartridge assembly of example 68, further comprising a slider, the slider comprising a first longitudinal chute configured to eject staples from the first row of clip cavities and a second longitudinal chute configured to eject the staples from the second row of staple cavities.

[0209] Example 70 - The staple cartridge set of example 69, where the first distance is defined between the first longitudinal ramp and the longitudinal slot geometric axis, and where the second distance is defined between the second longitudinal ramp and the longitudinal slit geometric axis.

[0210] Example 71 - A fastener cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including a platform configured to support a patient's tissue and a longitudinal slit defined in the platform, the longitudinal slit defining a longitudinal slit axis, being that the longitudinal slot is configured to receive a cutting member and wherein the platform comprises a first platform portion on a first side of the longitudinal slot and a second platform portion on a second side of the longitudinal slot. The cartridge body further comprises a first row of fastener cavities defined in the first platform portion adjacent the longitudinal slot, the first row of fastener cavities being defined along a first longitudinal axis, and one of which being first distance is defined between the first longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis. The cartridge body also comprises a second row of fastener cavities defined in the second platform portion adjacent the longitudinal slot, the second row of fastener cavities being defined along a second longitudinal axis, a second distance being defined between the second longitudinal axis and the longitudinal slot axis, and wherein the second distance is different from the first distance. The fastener cartridge assembly further comprises fasteners stored removablely in the first row of fastener cavities and in the second row of fastener cavities, the fasteners being formed from one or more sheets of material.

[0211] Example 72 - The fastener cartridge assembly of example 71, with the first row of fastener cavities being closer to the longitudinal slit than the second row of fastener cavities.

[0212] Example 73 - The fastener cartridge assembly of example 71, with the second row of fastener cavities being closer to the longitudinal slot than the first row of fastener cavities.

[0213] Example 74 - The fastener cartridge assembly of Examples 71, 72 or 73, which further comprises a slider, the slider comprising a first longitudinal chute configured to eject fasteners from the first row of fastener cavities and a second longitudinal chute configured to eject fasteners from the second row of fastener cavities.

[0214] Example 75 - The set of fastener cartridges from example 74, with the first longitudinal ramp being positioned closer to the longitudinal slot than the second longitudinal ramp.

[0215] Example 76 - The fastener cartridge assembly of example 74, in which the second longitudinal ramp is positioned closer to the longitudinal slot than the first longitudinal ramp.

[0216] Example 77 - A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including a platform configured to support a patient's tissue and a longitudinal slit defined in the platform, the longitudinal slit being configured to receive a cutting member , and wherein the platform comprises a first platform portion on a first side of the longitudinal slot and a second platform portion on a second side of the longitudinal slot. The cartridge body further comprises a first row of clip pockets defined in the first platform portion adjacent the longitudinal slot, and a first distance being defined between the first row of clip pockets and the longitudinal slot. The cartridge body further comprises a second row of clip cavities defined in the second platform portion adjacent the longitudinal slot, and wherein a second distance is defined between the second row of clip cavities and the longitudinal slot, and wherein the second distance is different from the first distance. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises staples removablely stored in the first row of staple cavities and the second row of staple cavities.

[0217] Example 78 - The staple cartridge assembly of example 77, which further comprises a slider, the slider including a first longitudinal chute configured to eject staples from the first row of staple cavities and a second longitudinal chute configured to eject the staples from the second row of staple cavities.

[0218] Example 79 - The staple cartridge set from example 78, where the first distance is defined between the first longitudinal ramp and the longitudinal slit, and the second distance is defined between the second longitudinal ramp and the longitudinal slit .

[0219] Example 80 - The clip cartridge assembly of Examples 78 or 79, each clip comprising a crown, a cam portion formed integrally with the crown, the slider being configured to directly engage the cam portion, and a fabric gripping portion offset from the cam portion.

[0220] Example 81 - The staple cartridge assembly of example 80, in which the cam portions of the staples are positioned closer to the longitudinal slit than the tissue tightening portions.

[0221] Example 82 - The staple cartridge assembly of example 80, in which the tissue tightening portions of the staples are positioned closer to the longitudinal slot than the cam portions.

[0222] Example 83 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 77, 78, 79, 80, 81 or 82, where the first distance is shorter than the second distance.

[0223] Example 84 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 77, 78, 79, 80, 81 or 82, the second distance being shorter than the first distance.

[0224] Example 85 - A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body, the cartridge body having a first longitudinal row of staple cavities and a second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises a plurality of first staples removablely stored in the first longitudinal row of staple cavities and a plurality of second staples removablely stored in the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. Each first clip comprises a first crown, a first proximal leg and a first distal leg, the first proximal leg and the first distal leg defining a first leg plane. Each first clip also comprises a first cam surface extending from and integrally formed with the first crown, the first cam surface defining a first cam location. Each first clamp also comprises a first proximal connector extending between and integrally formed with the first proximal leg and the first crown. Each first clamp further comprises a first distal connector extending between and integrally formed with the first distal leg and the first crown, the first proximal connector and the first distal connector defining a first distance between the first cam plane and the first cam plane. leg foreground. Each second clip comprises a second crown, a second proximal leg and a second distal leg, the second proximal leg and the second distal leg defining a second leg plane. Each second clip comprises a second cam surface also extending from and integrally formed with the second crown, the second cam surface defining a second cam plane. Each second clip also comprises a second proximal connector that extends between and is integrally formed with the second proximal leg and the second crown. Each second clip further comprises a second distal connector such that it extends between and is integrally formed with the second distal leg and the second crown, the second proximal connector and the second distal connector defining a second distance between the second cam plane and the second crown. the second leg plane and where the second distance is different from the first distance.

[0225] Example 86 - The staple cartridge assembly of Example 85, wherein the cartridge body further comprises a longitudinal slot configured to receive a cutting member.

[0226] Example 87 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 85 or 86, in which the first distance is greater than the second distance, in which the first longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal slot and in which the first longitudinal row of clip pockets is intermediate the longitudinal slot and the second longitudinal row of clip pockets.

[0227] Example 88 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 85 or 86, in which the first distance is greater than the second distance, in which the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal slot and in which the second longitudinal row of clip pockets is intermediate the longitudinal slot and the first longitudinal row of clip pockets.

[0228] Example 89 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 85, 86, 87 or 88, in which the first cam planes of the first staples are closer to the longitudinal slot than the first planes of the legs.

[0229] Example 90 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 85, 86, 87, 88 or 89, in which the second cam planes of the second staples are positioned closer to the longitudinal slit than the second planes of legs.

[0230] Example 91 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 85, 86, 87, 88 or 89, with the second planes of legs of the second staples being positioned closer to the longitudinal slot than the second planes of cam.

[0231] Example 92 - The clip cartridge assembly of Examples 85 or 86, with the first leg planes of the first clips being positioned closer to the longitudinal slot than the first cam planes.

[0232] Example 93 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 85, 96 or 92, in which the second cam planes of the second staples are positioned closer to the longitudinal slot than the second planes of legs.

[0233] Example 94 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 85, 86 or 92, in which the second planes of the legs of the second staples are positioned closer to the longitudinal slot than the second planes of the cam.

[0234] Example 95 - The staple cartridge assembly of Example 85, the cartridge body further comprising a third longitudinal row of staple cavities and the staple cartridge assembly further comprising a plurality of third staples stored in removable mode in the third longitudinal row of clip cavities. Each third clip comprises a third crown, a third proximal leg and a third distal leg, the third proximal leg and the third distal leg defining a third clip leg plane. Each third clip also comprises a third cam surface extending from and integrally formed with the third crown, the third cam surface defining a third cam plane and a third proximal connector extending between and integrally formed with the third crown. the third proximal leg and the third crown. Each third clamp further comprises a third distal connector extending between and integrally formed with the third distal leg and the third crown, the third proximal connector and the third distal connector defining a third distance between the third cam plane and the third cam plane. third clip leg plane and where the third distance is different from the second distance and the first distance.

[0235] Example 96 - The staple cartridge assembly of Example 95, wherein the cartridge body further comprises a longitudinal slot configured to receive a cutting member.

[0236] Example 97 - the clip cartridge assembly of Examples 95 or 96, with the first cam planes of the first clips being closer to the longitudinal slit than the first leg planes, with the second cam planes of the second staples are closer to the longitudinal slit than the third leg planes.

[0237] Example 98 - The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 95 or 96, with the first leg planes of the first staples being closer to the longitudinal slit than the first cam planes, and the second leg planes of the second clips are closer to the longitudinal slot than the second cam planes and the third leg planes of the third clips are closer to the longitudinal slot than the third cam planes.

[0238] Example 99 - The staple cartridge assembly of Example 95, in which the first cam planes of the first staples are aligned longitudinally with respect to each other and the planes of the second cam are aligned longitudinally with respect to each other to the other.

[0239] Example 100 - The staple cartridge set of Example 95, with the first staples and the second staples being stamped from a flat stock.

[0240] Example 101 - The staple cartridge assembly of Example 95, in which the first staples and the second staples are formed from one or more sheets of material.

[0241] Example 102 - A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body, the cartridge body having a first longitudinal row of staple cavities and a second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises a plurality of first staples removablely stored in the first longitudinal row of staple cavities. Each first clip comprises a first crown, a first proximal leg and a first distal leg, the first proximal leg and the first distal leg defining a first leg plane. Each first clip also comprises a first actuating surface extending from and integrally formed with the first crown and a first proximal connector extending between and integrally formed with the first proximal leg and the first crown. Each first clip further comprises a first distal connector extending between and integrally formed with the first distal leg and the first crown, the first proximal connector and the first distal connector defining a first width between the first crown and the first crown. leg plan. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises a plurality of second staples removablely stored in the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. Each second clip comprises a second crown, a second proximal leg and a second distal leg, the second proximal leg and the second distal leg defining a second leg plane. Each second clamp also comprises a second actuation surface extending from and integrally formed with the second crown and a second proximal connector extending between and integrally formed with the second proximal leg and the second crown. Each second clip further comprises a second distal connector extending between and integrally formed with the second distal leg and the second crown, the second proximal connector and the second distal connector defining a second width between the second crown and the second crown. second leg plane and where the second width is different from the first width.

[0242] Example 103 - A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body, the cartridge body having a first longitudinal row of staple cavities and a second longitudinal row of staple cavities. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises a plurality of first staples removablely stored in the first longitudinal row of staple cavities. Each first clamp comprises a first crown, a first proximal leg and a first distal leg, the first proximal leg and the first distal leg defining a first attachment portion. Each first clip also comprises a first cam integrally formed with the first crown and a first proximal connector that extends between, and is integrally formed with, the first proximal leg and the first crown. Each first clip further comprises a first distal connector extending between, and integrally formed with, the first distal leg and the first crown, the first proximal connector and the first distal connector defining a first width between the first crown and the first crown. first portion of fixation. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises a plurality of second staples removablely stored in the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. Each second clamp comprises a second crown, a second proximal leg and a second distal leg, the second proximal leg and the second distal leg defining a second attachment portion. Each second clip further comprises: a second cam integrally formed with the second crown, and a second proximal connector that extends between, and is integrally formed with, the second proximal leg and the second crown. Each second clip further comprises a second distal connector extending between and integrally formed with the second distal leg and the second crown, the second proximal connector and the second distal connector defining a second width between the second crown and the second portion. of fastening and the second width being different from the first width.

[0243] Many of the surgical instrument systems described here are powered by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein may be actuated in any suitable manner. In various examples, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be triggered, for example, by a manually operated trigger. In certain instances, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system. Furthermore, any of the end actuators and/or tool assemblies disclosed in the present invention can be used with a robotic surgical instrument system. US Patent Application Serial No. 13/118,241 entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now US Patent No. 9,072,535, for example, discloses several examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in more detail.

[0244] The surgical instrument systems described herein were described in connection with implantation and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described in the present invention are not so limited. Several modalities are foreseen, which implant fasteners in addition to staples, such as claws or tacks, for example. Furthermore, various embodiments are contemplated which utilize any suitable means to seal the tissue. For example, an end actuator, in accordance with various embodiments, may comprise electrodes configured to heat and seal tissue. Also, for example, an end actuator according to certain embodiments, can apply vibrational energy to seal the tissue.

[0245] The totality of the disclosures of: - US patent No. 5,403,312, entitled "ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE", which was granted on April 4, 1995; - US patent No. 7,000,818, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS", which was granted on February 21, 2006; - US Patent No. 7,422,139, entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK", which was granted on September 9, 2008; - US patent No. 7,464,849, entitled "ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS", which was granted on December 16, 2008; - US patent No. 7,670,334, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR", which was granted on March 2, 2010; - US patent No. 7,753,245, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS", which was granted on July 13, 2010; - US patent No. 8,393,514, entitled "SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE", which was granted on March 12, 2013; - US Patent Application Serial No. 11/343,803 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES"; now US Patent No. 7,845,537; - US patent application serial number 12/031,573, entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES", filed on February 14, 2008; - US patent application serial number 12/031,873, entitled "END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT", filed on February 15, 2008, now US patent number 7,980,443; - US Patent Application Serial No. 12/235,782 entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT", now US Patent No. 8,210,411; - US Patent Application Serial No. 12/249,117, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM", now US Patent No. 8,608,045; - US patent application serial number 12/647,100, entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY", filed on December 24, 2009; now US Patent No. 8,220,688; - US Patent Application Serial No. 12/893,461, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE", filed on September 29, 2012, now US Patent No. 8,733,613; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/036,647, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT", filed on February 28, 2011, now US Patent No. 8,561,870; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/118,241, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS", now US Patent No. 2012/9,072,535; - US patent application serial number 13/524,049, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE", filed on June 15, 2012; now US Patent No. 9,101,358; - US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,025, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", filed on March 13, 2013, now US Patent No. 9,345,481;

[0246] US Patent Application Serial No. 13/800,067, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", filed on March 13, 2013, now published US Patent Application No. 2014/0263552; - publication of US patent application No. 2007/0175955, entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM", filed on January 31, 2006; and - US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR", filed April 22, 2010, now US Patent No. 8,308,040, are incorporated herein by reference .

[0247] Although various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, modifications and variations of these embodiments can be implemented. Specific resources, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable way in one or more embodiments. Therefore, specific features, structures or features illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with features, structures or features of one or more other embodiments, without limitation. Additionally, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component can be replaced by multiple components and multiple components can be replaced by a single component to perform one or more specified functions. The aforementioned description and the following embodiments are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

[0248] The devices disclosed herein can be designed so that they are discarded after a single use, or can be designed so that they are used multiple times. In either case, however, a device can be refurbished for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of steps including, but not limited to, device disassembly followed by cleaning or replacement of specific device parts and subsequent device reassembly. In particular, a reconditioning facility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, after cleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will understand that refurbishing a device can use a variety of techniques to disassemble, clean/replace, and reassemble. Use of these techniques, as well as the resulting refurbished device, are all within the scope of this application.

[0249] The devices disclosed here can be processed prior to surgery. First, a new or used instrument can be obtained and, if necessary, cleaned. The instrument can then be sterilized. In a sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic bag or TY-VEK. The container and instrument can then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, X-rays and/or high energy electrons. Radiation can kill bacteria in the instrument and container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in a sterile container. The sealed container can keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medical facility. A device may also be sterilized using any other known technique, including, but not limited to, beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or water vapor.

[0250] Although this invention has been described as having exemplary signs, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended that this application cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

[0251] Any patent, publication or other descriptive material, in whole or in part, which is said to be incorporated into the present invention by way of reference, is incorporated into the present invention only to the extent that the incorporated materials do not come into conflict conflict with existing definitions, statements or other description material presented in this description. Accordingly, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated by reference into the present invention. Any material, or portion thereof, incorporated herein by reference but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure materials set forth herein, is incorporated herein only to the extent that there is no conflict between the material incorporated and existing disclosure material.

Claims (17)

1. A staple cartridge assembly comprising: a cartridge body comprising: a first longitudinal row of staple cavities; and a second longitudinal row of clip cavities; a plurality of first clips (540') removablely stored in the first longitudinal row of clip cavities, each first clip (540') comprising: a first crown (542); a first proximal leg (544p'); a first distal leg (544d'), wherein the first proximal leg (544p') and the first distal leg (544d') define a first leg plane (550'); a first cam surface extending from and integrally formed with the first crown (542), wherein a first cam plane (549) is defined by the first crown (542) and is parallel to the first leg plane (542). 550'); a first proximal connector (548p') extending between and integrally formed with the first proximal leg (544p') and the first crown (542); and a first distal connector (548d') extending between and integrally formed with the first distal leg (544d') and the first crown (542), wherein the first proximal connector (548p') and the first distal connector (548d') ') define a first distance (543') between the first cam plane (549) and the first leg plane (550'); a plurality of second clips (540'') removablely stored in the second longitudinal row of clip cavities, each second clip (540'') comprising: a second crown (542); a second proximal leg (544p’’); a second distal leg (544d''), wherein the second proximal leg (544p'') and the second distal leg (544d'') define a second leg plane (550''); a second cam surface extending from and integrally formed with the second crown (542), wherein a second cam plane (549) is defined by the second crown (542) and is parallel to the second leg plane (542). 550''); a second proximal connector (548p'') extending between and integrally formed with the second proximal leg (544p'') and the second crown (542); and a second distal connector (548d'') extending between and integrally formed with the second distal leg (544d'') and the second crown (542), wherein the second proximal connector (548p'') and the second connector distal (548d'') define a second distance (543'') between the second cam plane (549) and the second leg plane (550''), and characterized in that the second distance (543'') is different from the first distance (543'). 2. A staple cartridge assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the cartridge body further comprises a longitudinal slot configured to receive a cutting member. 3. A staple cartridge assembly, according to claim 2, characterized in that the first distance (543') is greater than the second distance (543''), in which the first longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal slot, and wherein the first longitudinal row of clip pockets is intermediate the longitudinal slot and the second longitudinal row of clip pockets. 4. Staple cartridge assembly, according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first distance (543') is greater than the second distance (543''), in which the second longitudinal row of cavities is adjacent to the longitudinal slot, and wherein the second longitudinal row of clip pockets is intermediate the longitudinal slot and the first longitudinal row of staple pockets. 5. Clip cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the first cam planes (549) of the first clips (540') are closer to the longitudinal slot than the first planes leg (550'). 6. Clip cartridge assembly, according to claim 5, characterized in that the second cam planes (549) of the second clips (540'') are closer to the longitudinal slit than the second leg planes ( 550''). 7. Staple cartridge assembly, according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the second leg planes (550'') of the second staples (540'') are closer to the longitudinal slit than the second cam planes (549). 8. Cartridge set of staples, according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the first leg planes (550') of the first staples (540') are closer to the longitudinal slot than the first cam planes (549). 9. Clip cartridge assembly, according to claim 8, characterized in that the second cam planes (549) of the second clips (540'') are closer to the longitudinal slit than the second leg planes ( 550''). 10. Staple cartridge assembly, according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the second leg planes (550'') of the second staples (540'') are closer to the longitudinal slit than the second cam planes (549). 11. A staple cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cartridge body further comprises a third longitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein the staple cartridge assembly further comprises a a plurality of third clips removablely stored in the third longitudinal row of clip wells, each third clip comprising: a third crown; a third proximal leg; a third distal leg, wherein the third proximal leg and the third distal leg define a third clamp leg plane; a third cam surface extending from and integrally formed with the third crown, wherein a third cam plane is defined by the third crown and is parallel to the third leg plane; a third proximal connector extending between and integrally formed with the third proximal leg and the third crown; and a third distal connector extending between and integrally formed with the third distal leg and the third crown, wherein the third proximal connector and the third distal connector define a third distance between the third cam plane and the third cam plane clamp, and where the third distance is different from the second distance (543'') and the first distance (543'). 12. A staple cartridge assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the cartridge body further comprises a longitudinal slit configured to receive a cutting member. 13. Clip cartridge assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the first cam planes (549) of the first clips (540') are closer to the longitudinal slit than the first leg planes (550 '), in which the second cam planes (549) of the second clamps (540'') are closer to the longitudinal slot than the second leg planes (550''), and in which the third cam planes of the third staples are closer to the longitudinal slit than the third leg planes. 14. Cartridge assembly of staples, according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first leg planes (550') of the first staples (540') are closer to the longitudinal slit than the first planes of cam (549), wherein the second leg planes (550'') of the second clamps (540'') are closer to the longitudinal slot than the second cam planes (549), and wherein the third leg planes of the third clips are closer to the longitudinal slot than the third cam planes. 15. Clip cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the first cam planes (549) of the first clips (540') are aligned longitudinally with each other and in which the second cam planes (549) are longitudinally aligned with each other. 16. Clip cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first clips (540') and the second clips (540'') are stamped from a flat stock. 17. A staple cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the first staples (540') and the second staples (540'') are formed from one or more sheets of material.

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